Development at Former Pub Site (TA2 7RX)

A major fast-food chain has submitted a planning application to redevelop the former O’Bridge site.

There are several concerns regarding this proposal, including but not limited to:

• Increased traffic and associated road safety risks
• Noise, particularly during evening and late-night hours
• Potential future addition of a drive-through and associated disturbance
• Light pollution from signage and extended operating hours
• Litter and increased anti-social behaviour

The current application states that there are no plans for a drive-through, proposed opening hours are 06:00 to 22:30, and no changes to site access are planned. It also concludes that there will be no significant impact from noise or odour on nearby residents.

We strongly believe these assessments are inaccurate and do not reflect the likely real-world impact of a high-footfall fast-food outlet in a predominantly residential area.

We, the undersigned, object to this application due to concerns around increased traffic, noise, light pollution, litter, anti-social behaviour, and safety risks related to access to and from the site.

Taunton already has multiple existing outlets within close proximity. This development would place an additional high-traffic commercial operation within a residential community where it is not needed.

We believe consideration must be given to the impact on local residents, which is reflected in the strength of opposition from the community.