A RIVERSIDE development of shops, offices, restaurants and homes has been given conditional approval.

The outline planning application for Coal Orchard has been given the go-ahead by Taunton Deane Borough Council.

The scheme also includes the demolition of the disused St James Pool and replaces the existing council-owned car park.

The buildings will be in five separate blocks which will contain:

  • A - business units over three floors together with ground floor shops and 14 flats above;
  • B - eight one-bedroom flats;
  • C - ground floor shops and two flats above;
  • D - three shops, a cafe/restaurant and two flats on the upper floor;
  • E - two restaurants/cafes and ten flats on the upper floors.

There would also be 49 pay and display parking slots, as well as off-street parking and quick turnover spaces, while public realm land would also be included.

A spokesman for the Deane, which owns the land, said: "This mixed use development is to encourage active streets during the day and night with natural surveillance throughout and maintain a level of parking that would allow for the current and proposed retail provision.

"This increase in activity may then spill out and enhance the pedestrian footfall in front of the Brewhouse Theatre, therefore integrating the theatre into the Coal Orchard quarter."

Somerset County Gazette:

A 3d plan of the Coal Orchard proposals.

An officer report said: "The scheme is considered to safeguard the character and appearance of the conservation area and while it will impact on the setting of the Old Brewery house - (which is listed) - this impact is not considered substantial and the benefits of the redevelopment of the area in terms of townscape and employment is considered to outweigh the limited harm.

"The parking provision retained on the site is considered suitable to serve the development and adjacent uses subject to suitable management of the car park."