A DEVELOPMENT of 45 assisted living homes look set to be built in a listed former NHS premises and its grounds.

Taunton Deane Borough Council planners are being recommended to conditionally approve proposals for the Lyngford House scheme, in Taunton, at a meeting on Wednesday.

If passed, developers Quantum would create six apartment and 33 new houses in the grounds of the property.

A further three apartments and communal facilities would be created in the main house, while the coach house and stables would be refurbished and converted into three houses.

The work will also see the demolition of the modern conference centre and apartment block, the closure of the Lyngford Lane site entrance and the relocation of the Selworthy Road entrance.

A total of two letters of objection have been sent to the council complaining about the design of the proposed buildings, limited parking, road safety issues, inadequate cycle parking and "noise, disturbance and unwelcome surveillance".

There were also 90 letters of support, with reference to a "good quality" development that will allow people to live at home longer, reducing the burden on care homes and hospitals and the creation of new jobs.

A Quantum spokeswoman said: "Our proposal for the Lyngford House site is for 45 extra care houses and apartments and communal facilities.

"We will convert the Grade II listed buildings into accommodation for the over 55s, and build some new houses on the site.

"Following public feedback, we will also be closing off the vehicle entrance to the rear (on Lyngford Lane) and providing a pedestrian walkway and cycle path for the public to use.

As a registered social landlord, our homes are offered on a shared ownership basis, making them affordable to many people.

"We had a very positive response to our proposals from members of the community."

The plans will be considered by councillors at Taunton Deane Borough Council's planning committee meeting at West Monkton Primary School on Wednesday (September 12) at 6.15pm.