PROPOSALS to demolish an office tower block to make way for a care home complex with shops have been welcomed by the minister of a neighbouring church.

The plans include pulling down Quantock House, in Paul Street, Taunton, and replacing it with a 62-bedroom care home, 58 assisted-living extra care apartments, shops and parking for cars, mobility scooters and bikes.

Quantock House, which is widely regarded as an eyesore, housed Government departments the Valuation Office and Defra before falling empty a number of years ago.

A planning application was recently submitted on behalf of Bournemouth-based Quantum Group for the scheme, which would include a kitchen, laundry, hairdressers, beauty treatments, library, restaurant and bakery.

If Taunton Deane Borough Council approves the plans, the first residents could be living on the site by mid-2019.

People can see the final designs at a public exhibition at the Creative Innovation Centre, Paul Street, on Thursday, November 3, from 11am to 6pm, and Saturday, November 5, from 10am to 2pm.

The Rev Dr Susan Durber, minister at Taunton United Reformed Church, has written to planners supporting the application.

She said: "I very much welcome this development.

"This part of Taunton needs to have people living here and committed to it.

"It's a good location, so close to the town centre, easily accessible for older people.

"I can see that this development will bring life to this corner of the town with the active retired as well as those needing care."

Kit Chapman, chairman of ArtsTaunton, has praised the "distinctive, attractive and sensitive landscaping".

He added: "It will make a worthy and striking new addition to the urban environment and Somerset's county town."

Quantock previously staged public exhibitions of the proposals this summer, when head of community engagement Kate Greatrix said: "We are totally committed to regenerating this unused site into a wonderful place that will revitalise the surrounding area, and create a new community for people aged over 55.

"Our continuous care retirement community will include a new care home, extra care apartments with shared facilities, together with some retail units which will bring many benefits to Taunton, including new job and training opportunities and will help to boost local businesses, retail and tourism."