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Search the Public Notice PortalPLANS for the former Taunton Debenhams building have been discussed in detail - we took a look inside.
On Thursday, September 24, residents and councillors attended a Planning, Development and Licensing Committee meeting in Taunton, where developers from Collier Planning, Chestnut Property Developments Ltd and Grainge Architects delved deeper into the Chestnut Group's plans for the old department store.
The former 84, 127 square ft department store on North Street in Taunton has remained shut since it last operated in May 2021. It was purchased by Chestnut Developments earlier this year.
What are the plans for Debenhams in Taunton?
Catherine Knee, an associate director at Collier Planning, set out background and context to explain what The Chestnut Group are planning with the site.
The initial plans aim to retain the building and its "façade" on North Street, create flexible retail units on the ground floor and flats above, and build an arcade linking North Street with Goodlands Gardens.
A total of nine retail units will be constructed on the ground floor, with permission also sought to create a rooftop garden with solar panels and biodiversity features.
"Debenhams vacated the site in 2021, and since then the store has been left vacant," Catherine said in the meeting. "This isn't uncommon with many large department stores closing, and they bring down the feel of the High Street.
"Studio Saar won the Davidson Prize in 2024 for their imaginative reimagining of the vacant store. That was a real community-led design with community housing and community uses.
"That's something we've taken away, and we have taken some lessons from that. The building must be retained and reused; it needs to include an element of community uses."
Inside the Debenhams site in Taunton
Shelving from the old department store has been removed, with some mannequins, rubble and metal dotted around the former department store site's ground floor.
The County Gazette took a look around the site where you can still see the store signage, placeholders for products and remnants of what used to be.
Challenges with the former Taunton Debenhams site
One of the biggest challenges with the upcoming works is the "deep floor plan", according to Collier Planning. Planners also noted "a couple of things to address" in regard to the building turning its back on Goodland Gardens.
Concerns over water damage at the site have already been addressed, with developers confirming pumps have been installed and asbestos cleared from the building.
Pending planning approval, Chestnut has a window in its wider build programme which allows it to begin converting the building in early 2027. The group has worked on several large projects across the south west in recent times.
Chestnut Group has nearly completed development of the former TJ Hughes building in Weston-super-Mare, which has been vacant for a number of years. It also transformed The Moxom in Taunton, which was the old Debenhams HQ.
Catherine added: "We are looking to agree time scales with the council so that the application is determined hopefully within the time scales that it should be, which is 13 weeks, that would then enable Chestnut Developments to get out on site, which will fit within their build programme."
A full planning application will be submitted to Somerset Council for the whole site, looking at technical issues. The developers do not need full planning permission for change of use to residential as the site is "permitted development".
How long will it take for 'The Curve' to open in Taunton?
From start to finish, the works are estimated to take 14 months.
The developers have said business units in the arcade can start opening as early as six months into the development programme. A total of 44 flats are proposed to be built, with 18 parking spaces (10 x 1 bed, 32 x 2 bed and 2 x 3 bed). This will see a mix of flats on the upper floors, including starter units and larger apartments.
Some of these flats will have skylights and are aimed towards the luxury market. None of the flats will be considered "affordable housing" by Somerset Council's standards.
Free business for potential investors in Taunton
The nine commercial units will range in size from 55sqm - 210sqm. If needed, these units can "be knocked into one big unit" in response to demand, according to Chestnut. The arcade shopping area will be closed off to visitors at night, with no plans for public toilets on-site at this stage.
In the meeting, Dave Carpenter, from Chestnut Developments, who has regularly been assessing the site confirmed that businesses will be allowed to operate rent-free at The Curve once it's opened to the public.
"What we've decided to do is, as we develop, rather than have any empty units, we will offer them to any charity or community free of charge; you just cover the bills for the duration until we market them/sell them," he said.
"If you think you are doing well enough and [can buy or rent the unit] then you can have first refusal; if not then we can relocate you to another store within the development.
"I think that's a good way of introducing [The Curve] for everybody."
Parts of Taunton Debenhams site to remain for residents
Existing stairs and lifts will be retained for use by residents. This includes the former department store's goods lift, which will be operational for the residents at the site.
The existing entrance from the old Debenhams site will also be restored as the entrance for The Curve's arcade.
The developers are asking that people submit feedback via Somerset Council's planning portal to push for an early approval by the end of October this year.
Catherine added: "We're in a flood zone, so there will need to be a flood zone risk assessment and a look at phosphates.
"We are looking to submit by the end of October and have it approved by the end of January 2027 so Chestnut are able to get on-site.
"We have set up a webpage which sets out the details of the proposal, and we are receiving comments.
"If you're speaking to locals and they're asking questions [about plans for Debenhams], it would be great if we could have some feedback from the community about the proposals."
To comment on the application, click here.
Town councillors praised the scheme, saying there is “a lot to like” in the proposed arcade and atrium design.
One resident disliked the name "The Curve" and asked that developers call the site "North Gate", due to the location.
Taunton Town Council Planning, Development and Licensing Committee chair, Councillor Connor Solle, said: "As Chair of the Planning and Development Committee for Taunton, I have to say that this development is a shining example of what developers should be striving towards in ways of design, quality of future living and balance of giving back to Taunton.
"It takes a certain individual to take on a project of this scale and ambition, and I know that, from the members of Taunton and, importantly, as a resident of Taunton myself, I look forward to seeing the future of this site and all the positive opportunities it will bring — both for residential and commercial development.
"This is an exciting step forward for Taunton, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”
Comments on the proposed development are welcome until October 6. Residents will be able to make further representations to Somerset Council after the full planning application is submitted.
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