PLANS to redevelop a historic Somerset building have been received positively at the final public consultation event.

The Quantum Group has applied for planning permission to convert Lyngford House, on Selworthy Road in Taunton, into 45 “assisted living dwellings”, comprising a mixture of houses and apartments.

The entire complex was sold to the Bournemouth-based company by the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group in January 2017 for £1.1M.

The company held a public consultation at Lyngford House, giving the public a final opportunity to comment on the proposals before it comes before Taunton Deane Borough Council’s planning committee in the summer.

Under the plans, Lyngford House itself will be converted into three apartments and communal facilities, with 33 new houses being built in the grounds and other existing buildings on the site either being converted into dwellings or demolished.

The complex is designed to provide “an affordable housing solution for people over 55, designed for independent living in a safe and secure environment.”

A number of Taunton residents turned up to the exhibition on Friday afternoon (May 25), and their reaction was largely positive.

Fred Nash, who did not attend the previous public consultation in January, said that he was impressed by the designs put forward.

He said: “This will definitely improve the local area – it’s a step in the right direction.

“My only concern would be the price – I was looking at the new retirement accommodation that’s gone up near the cricket club, and I just hope it’s not as expensive as that.”

Teresa Boothby-Smith, who lives on Lyngford Lane, added: “I really like the plans that they’ve put forward.

“The only thing I wasn’t sure about was the rear access. I understand that the plan is to open it up to pedestrians and cyclists – I guess it’s worth a try.”

Under the plans, the current entrance off Selworthy Road will be re-located “to allow for a new key view and approach to Lyngford House”.

Quantum Group architect Melany Wood said: “We had a very positive response to our proposals from members of the community who attended our first exhibition in January.  More than 200 people visited the three-day exhibition to view our initial proposals for the site and give us their feedback.

“Ninety-five per cent of respondents agreed with our proposals with many positive comments centred on the restoration and refurbishment of Lyngford House.

“We had a lovely quote from a nearby resident: “A beautiful development that will improve the area – it will be a little oasis of care within a heavily developed area’.

“Following our exhibition in January, we have been working hard to further refine and finalise our designs, taking into account the feedback we have received from the community.

“We have now submitted our planning application to Taunton Deane Borough Council but we will continue to actively engage with the community and keep everybody informed of the outcome of our planning application and next steps.”

The plans for Lyngford House will come before the district council’s planning committee during the summer.

The Quantum Group has indicated that, if approval is granted, construction could begin in the autumn, with the whole complex being completed and ready for residents by the summer of 2020.