Overall, how do you feel about the draft proposals for development at Firepool

Mostly positive

Do the proposals make efficient use of this key town centre site?

Mostly positive

Do you believe the mix of uses proposed is appropriate and would improve and futureproof Taunton town centre for years to come?

Mostly positive

Are there any key aspects of the Masterplan proposals which you particularly like?

Good use of town centre site with a zero carbon vision, housing, walking and cycling and new community facilities.

Overall, how do you feel about the draft proposals for development at Firepool

Negative

Do the proposals make efficient use of this key town centre site?

Negative

Do you believe the mix of uses proposed is appropriate and would improve and futureproof Taunton town centre for years to come?

Negative

Are there any key aspects of the Masterplan proposals which you particularly like?

The boulevard connecting the station to town is a great idea.

Are there any key aspects of the Masterplan proposals which you particularly dislike?

The fact that there is any residential buildings at all, it’s a totally unsuitable site for this. The proposed buildings are extremely ugly, and amounts to nothing short of a housing estate, incredibly disappointing.

Do you have any other comments?

The site should be encouraging visitors to the town, and let’s not forget it’s the county town of Somerset. There are no large arena type venues for concerts/plays/shows for miles, and this is a unique opportunity to provide a much needed venue that would be an asset not only to our town, but the whole of the South west. We do not need retail there, we do not need residential there, the town and the people in it deserve better!

Overall, how do you feel about the draft proposals for development at Firepool

Positive

Do the proposals make efficient use of this key town centre site?

Positive

Do you believe the mix of uses proposed is appropriate and would improve and futureproof Taunton town centre for years to come?

Mostly positive

Are there any key aspects of the Masterplan proposals which you particularly like?

I do like the idea of having a commercial area, close to the centre of Taunton, including cinema and other leisure facilities.

Are there any key aspects of the Masterplan proposals which you particularly dislike?

No.

Do you have any other comments?

Reinforce the connection with Trenchard Way, to reduce congestion around the Morrisons supermarket area. New residents should preferably use that way, rather to pass through Priory Bridge Road.

Overall, how do you feel about the draft proposals for development at Firepool

Mostly positive

Do the proposals make efficient use of this key town centre site?

Neutral

Do you believe the mix of uses proposed is appropriate and would improve and futureproof Taunton town centre for years to come?

Mostly positive

Are there any key aspects of the Masterplan proposals which you particularly like?

A focus on active travel is welcome. The current provision of cycle routes in the area are poor and if Taunton is going to address its traffic problems, safe and prioritised routes for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility scooters with great links to public transport are essential. The current walking and cycle routes around Firepool Lock, Morrisons and the cricket ground are terrible and the linked paths, for example along the canal to Moncton Heathfield need to be improved.

Are there any key aspects of the Masterplan proposals which you particularly dislike?

There is not enough consideration for users of the river. In particular the Canoe and Kayak club seems to be have forgotten in the proposal and only provision for a “boat store” seems to have been considered. As a new club member I believe it would be sensible to consult with the experienced club officials to ensure that any development on the site supports the running and the expansion of this essential facility providing river access to a diverse group of people.

Do you have any other comments?

Compared to other places I have lived, public access to the river and canal in Taunton is poor and could be developed into a fantastic resource. The development should allow the existing club to develop and thrive and should also accommodate the increasing interest in things like wild swimming and stand up paddle boarding. Consideration should be made to how the facilities at French Weir through the town centre and on to the canal at Firepool could be linked to provide an attraction to draw people to Taunton. Facilities to support this such as appropriate parking, public toilets, a network of landing stages and appropriate amenities close to to the river side would be of great benefit.

Overall, how do you feel about the draft proposals for development at Firepool

Negative

Do the proposals make efficient use of this key town centre site?

Mostly negative

Do you believe the mix of uses proposed is appropriate and would improve and futureproof Taunton town centre for years to come?

Negative

Are there any key aspects of the Masterplan proposals which you particularly like?

The open space and keeping access to the river and canal

Are there any key aspects of the Masterplan proposals which you particularly dislike?

The lack of information that is given and with the new area already built with no shops been taking over it’s seems to be a waste the art gallery should be near the castle not in a new area of town

Do you have any other comments?

It need to be like princeshays in Exeter bring people to the town decent shops maybe a indoor activity like ice skating something that is not in the area we need more big brand shops not hair dressers or barbers or charity shops make Taunton a town to draw people in not turn them Away make business rates lower to attract companies