THE opening of 64 new affordable homes in Victoria Gate, Taunton, has doubled the housing provision on the site.

The development of 46 new homes for affordable and social rent and 18 shared ownership properties involved a partnership between Knighstone Housing and Taunton Deane Council, which provided grants, along with the Homes and Communities Agency.

Nick Medhurst, Knightstone chairman of the board, said: "We've jointly been able to deliver this outstanding development which has significantly improved the area, and will provide good quality, energy efficient housing for Taunton residents for many years to come."

Deane leader Cllr John Williams said: “Schemes like Victoria Gate are really important for Taunton Deane, providing a range of housing options to meet local need.

"Victoria Gate makes use of a previously developed site by replacing 32 sub-standard homes with 64 high quality energy efficient new homes."