Slow pace of Firepool site clean-up sparks complaints

Work was recently completed on the boulevard running through the Firepool site (funded by central government grants), which provides a car-free route between Taunton railway station and the town centre via Firepool and Coal Orchard.

Martin Paikes, who lives in the Coal Orchard area of the town, wrote to the council's enforcement team in mid-June to complain about the appearance of the site, calling on officers to take action and ensure the new landscaping could properly take root.

The council has responded that its enforcement team is addressing numerous issues concerning the site and would provide an update in the coming weeks on what action would be taken.

Mr Paikes raised the issue afresh when the council's planning committee west met in Taunton on Tuesday afternoon (August 25).

He said: "I wrote to your planning enforcement team on June 15, complaining about the possible infringement of planning consent on the Firepool site - I thought that was quite a reasonable thing to raise.

"I got a reply saying, unfortunately, the team was unable to investigate or take action any action as the council cannot investigate or enforce against itself.

"I was also told that they were unable to investigate breaches of planning conditions due to a lack of resources.

"I have every sympathy with the team, and I am sure they are under very stressful conditions - but I felt that I really ought to have had a better answer than that.

"I lodged an official complaint, and that was dealt with seven weeks later.

Taunton resident Martin Paikes addressing the planning committee west (Image: Somerset Council)

"What progress has been made on addressing apparent breaches of planning permission on the southern boulevard in Firepool?"

Mr Paikes' comments come following complaints from Canal Court residents surrounding the condition of the site, and a week before the council's executive committee is to take a crucial vote on the future development of the Firepool area.

Bill Cotton, the council's interim service director for planning, provided a written response to Mr Paikes which was read aloud at the meeting by committee chairman Councillor Simon Coles.

He said: "I am sorry to learn of your dissatisfaction with the current condition of the site, and appreciate the detailed points you have raised.

"I can confirm that matters relying to compliance with the planning permission have been referred to our planning enforcement team, which is currently reviewing the issues that you have highlighted.

Councillor Simon Coles (Liberal Democrat, Taunton East) chairs the planning committee west (Image: Somerset Council)

"They will assess the concerns raised and determine whether any further action is required.

"In addition, bodies responsible for the management of the site have already commenced work to address several of the matters you have identified.

"Arrangements are being put into place for the watering of the landscaping for the remainder of the growing season, including interim measures currently being undertaken on site.

"We have also secured contractor support and are reviewing the replacement of any failed planting in accordance with contractor obligations.

The view of the Firepool site from a Canal Court balcony (Image: Jess Chaffey/Newsquest)

"Furthermore, action is being taken to remove the remaining materials and improve the overall presentation of the site.

"We recognise that the appearance and maintenance of this important regeneration site are matters of public interest, and are committed to ensuring that the issues identified are addressed appropriately.

"Once the planning enforcement team has completed its review, we will consider its findings alongside the wider operational actions being undertaken and provide you with a further update."