Do you have any comments about the context appraisal or associated supporting evidence documents?

Can the developer provide evidence of any consultation with any of the organisations on the cricket club side of the river Tone. Can the developer also demonstrate what action has been taken to address the comments and consultation from the previous development submission?

Do you have any comments about the way that the design concept has developed?

The concept does not seem to take into account existing buildings and current users. You refer to 're location' of facilities such as the Taunton Canoe Club site, but the club have had no contact prior to submission of this plan. We had seen the previous failed attempts to re generate the site, so we are keen to engage with the team to understand your plans for the 'development area' on the south side of the river Tone. We would also like to understand how the developers aim to deal with additional parking needs for both able bodied and disabled visitors, as there appears to be insufficient parking or a strong reliance on 'park and ride' for a shopping and leisure scheme at the other end of the town to existing facilities.

Do you have any comments about the context appraisal or associated supporting evidence documents?

Visual Impact Assessment E22. Viewpoint 2b represents views towards the site from Taunton Railway Station. The proposals would substantially reduce opportunities to see the church towers and the Blackdown Hills from this location. This is considered to be moderate adverse effect on the view. - I think the height of the buildings should ensure the views are protected as this is an important characteristic that entices visitors. Not just for people getting off the trains in Taunton but also for all the people passing through Taunton on the train. And of course, for residents of Taunton living in the vicinity and beyond of the Railway Station. E28 This layout seeks to replace the potential loss of townscape legibility as a result of reduced opportunities for views towards the church towers from the train station. - I think this justification is worrying for Taunton to retain its unique character.

Do you have any comments about the way that the design concept has developed?

I think the designs have been made knowing that the views will be impacted. Perhaps within the proposed development the views have been considered but for residents and visitors on the outskirts of this development, the unique views of the church towers and Blackdown Hills will be compromised.

Do you have any comments about the context appraisal or associated supporting evidence documents?

The Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment has failed to include Taunton Canoe Club as an existing building giving use and purpose to the South Firepool area. 4.6.3, 4.6.4 and 4.6.5 list the buildings in this area as just Viridor and Waters Edge. The report says ' These areas are in poor condition as a consequence of the lack of use or purpose.' - I wholeheartedly disagree in support of Taunton Canoe Club. A club ran by volunteers, providing year round coaching, competition and recreation to over 60 members. A good number of these are youth that have been introduced and encouraged to develop skills which have led them to compete regionally, nationally and internationally. The club has had three young members qualify for GB selection races in the last five years with one of those being successful last year and representing GB in Italy and Poland for World and European championships. It's the same case in the Parking Assessment. There is no mention of the car park in front of Viridor and how that is used throughout the day and evening. No consideration has been given to how Taunton Canoe Club uses this parking area as a way to load and unload boats and equipment. Whether its to bring private boats to the club for training sessions or to collect boats from the clubhouse to take them to the pool every week or to events around the country at weekends.

Do you have any comments about the way that the design concept has developed?

The design concept has been developed based on reports that have failed to assess the requirements of a successful community sports club already situated in the South Firepool Site.

Do you have any comments about the context appraisal or associated supporting evidence documents?

I am puzzled by the detour route for cyclists which on the plan shows an indirect route to the train station, instead of straight up the Boulevard following the purple route. I thought it had been agreed with TACC that cyclists would be using the direct route the same as pedestrians

Do you have any comments about the way that the design concept has developed?

I am just wondering what impact raising the area to prevent flooding on the Firepool site will have on properties south of the river in the area. In almost 20 years living in the area we have never experienced flooding from the River Tone. I would like some reassurance that this is unlikely to change.