PLANS to convert an eyesore area of town that has lay derelict for more than 15 years have been submitted. 

Boyer, on behalf of Galliford Try, has submitted the application for 164 apartments and 18 town-houses to Taunton Deane Borough Council. 

The 182 dwellings would stand on the former Gasworks site off Tangier Way and Castle Street. 

The town has attempted to make the area more aesthetic with colourful artwork along the hoarding. 

Somerset County Gazette:

The layout of the development. 

The site is within the council's site allocation development plan. Planning permission has been granted before but plans never came to fruition. 

A spokesman for Boyer said: "The proposed redevelopment of the former gas works site presents an exciting opportunity to regenerate and revitalise an important Taunton town centre site.

"Current proposals reflect the extensive consultation process undertaken and promotes contemporary yet contextual architecture which will enhance Taunton’s built environment.

"The scheme has been carefully designed to make a positive sustainable contribution to Taunton to enhance the social and economic well-being of the town.

"Proposals recognise Tauntons aspirations and adhere to framework documents allowing Tauntons holistic vision to be accelerated and realised."

Somerset County Gazette:

Artist impression of the development.

The developers have stated that currently the plans don't involve any 'affordable housing' but would be willing to "explore various options" to deliver some. 

The spokesman added: "While affordable housing is sought as part of the proposed scheme, the number of affordable dwellings will be subject to viability.

"This is to be set out in the accompanying Viability Assessment document. 

"The starting point is zero affordable housing provided on site due to the viability constraints that have been demonstrated in the accompanying Viability Assessment.

"Notwithstanding this, Galliford Try are willing to explore various funding sources available that could allow the scheme to incorporate affordable dwellings on site.

"We envisage that this is something that will be discussed through the duration of the planning application."

To view the plans search application number 38/18/0162 on Taunton Deane's website.