UP TO 260 new homes, a country park, a primary school and shops could be built near Taunton.

The news comes after the Crown Estate agreed a deal with David Wilson Homes for its Nerrols site near Taunton and its Lay Wood site in Devizes. 

Phase one of the Nerrols development will contain up to 260 new homes offering a broad mix of housing, including family homes, starter homes and affordable housing together with community facilities, land for a country park, a site for a new primary school and new local shops.

As part of the plans, The Crown Estate will be planting up to 15,000 new trees in and around the site.

Steve Melligan, strategic Land Manager at The Crown Estate said: “After successfully promoting these sites through the local planning process, working with the local council and community, we are delighted to have agreed the sale of the sites to David Wilson Homes.

"They will deliver much needed new homes in their local areas, alongside delivering contributions to local education facilities and new open space to create great places for people to live in and enjoy.”

Chris Burton, regional managing director for David Wilson Homes, said: “This is an important acquisition for David Wilson Homes in the South West and underlines our commitment to the region.

"Our strategy is to build long term relationships to secure good value land where people aspire to live. We aim to design developments which look great, are a pleasure to live on and will enhance communities for years to come.

"This deal also represents good news for the region’s economy with the creation of hundreds of local jobs.”