Exhibition of plans to build extra care units at Lyngford House in Taunton

Plans for the project at Lyngford House, off Selworthy Road, are to be lodged with Taunton Deane Borough Council at the end of February.

An exhibition of the proposals is being held at the site today through to Saturday and a further exhibition is planned for April or May.

Property company Quantum, which bought the site from the NHS for £1.1 million, hopes the plans would then be debated by the council's planning committee in June or July.

And if permission is granted, construction could start in August and the first residents could move in two years later in August 2020.

Image of the proposed site plan.

The development would see three one-bedroom apartments in the upper floor of the listed main house, which would house communal facilities on the ground floor, including a dining room, bar, activity rooms, treatment room, communal lounges, a library and IT room.

A three-storey extension would contain six two-bedroom apartments, while the listed coach house and stables would features three two-bedroom houses.

There would also be 15 two-bedroom houses and 18 three-bedroom houses in the grounds, as well as 37 car parking spaces and landscaped features.

The proposed development.

A Quantum spokesman said benefits to the community  include a boost to the local economy, job opportunities, the regeneration and enhancement of a neglected site and the freeing up of underoccupied homes.

The listed house on the right and proposed new homes in the grounds.

Quantum, which is also soon to build a 62-bed care home and 51 extra care apartments on the site of the now-demolished Quantock House, in Paul Street, Taunton, has seen dozens of people at its exhibition.

Kate Greatrix, head of community engagement at Quantum, said: "It's a privilege to be extending our investment in Taunton.

"It's lovely to see so many local people expressing an interest in the future of Lyngford House and we hope that what we're delivering is in harmony with these listed buildings and of benefit to the community."

Kate Greatrix.

The interior of Lyngford House as it is today, above and below.

The stable block.

Lyngford House.

Here's what some of the visitors to the exhibition think of the proposals.

Carl and Angela Harper.

Carl Harper: "The concept is very good for the position in the middle of a large housing estate - it's much like Blagdon Village (retirement complex in Taunton)."

His wife Angela said: "I'm concerned about the footpath going into Lyngford and wonder if there is sufficient parking with 37 spaces."

Barry Nowlan.

Barry Nowlan said: "It looks very encouraging and hopefully the grounds will be open to the public so they can enjoy getting away from all the housing estate around here.

"I'm coming up to 70 myself and could be thinking about an accommodation unit."