THERE was plenty of interest at a public exhibition of a proposed retirement complex beside the River Tone off Taunton town centre.

Churchill Retirement Living wants to build 72 one and two-bedroom apartments on the site of the former Lidl store on Tangier Way, off Wood Street.

Visitors to the exhibition at St James Church last week were given an idea of how the development could look if Taunton Deane Borough Council planners approve it.

Churchill, a privately-owned, family run business, is currently preparing a planning application for the homes for the over 60s on the site, which has been derelict since Lidl moved to a new store 100 metres down the road in December 2015.

The company's planning director, Andrew Burgess, said there is a "real need" for private retirement homes in the county town.

He added: "By meeting this rising demand, we can allow older people to downsize and free up under-occupied houses in the local area for families.

"As well as meeting the need for high quality retirement apartments, the development will bring benefits to the local economy."

Churchill's homes across the country generally feature fitted kitchens, fitted and tiled shower rooms, camera entry systems, 24-hour careline support, intruder alarms, energy efficient heating, lifts to all floors and on-site lodge managers.

They also have owners' lounges, guest suites, landscaped grounds and on-site parking.