Flats and houses proposals at Tangier old gasworks, Taunton

The proposal on the old gasworks site off Tangier and Castle Street will see the highest buildings reduced from eight storeys to seven and the number of units down from 182 to 178.

Galliford Try Partnerships is applying for five blocks of flats ranging from one to three bedrooms and several three and four bedroom houses on the three-acre plot.which has been vacant for more than 15 years.

Officers at Taunton Deane Borough Council are recommending the plans for approval at next Wednesday's planning committee meeting.

The application was tweaked to reduce the height after concerns were expressed about the impact it would have on the skyline, particularly St John's Church.

As a result, the developers say they can only afford to fund a play area for under eights and have said they will not be able to provide play equipment for older children.

But there could be an application for more cash to mitigate the pressure on school places as the nearest primary school, Parkfield and North Town, are both full.

The officer's report says: "The principle of redeveloping the brownfield site is supported.

"The proposals have been amended to take account of concerns raised and it is considered that the scheme cannot be reduced any further without additional threat to its viability.

"The proposed development is considered to enhance the riverside frontage of the area and it has been designed to minimise impacts upon the historic environment and the nearby residential area."

Opponents of the scheme have cited fears of over-development, "unattractive and unimaginative" design, lack of affordable homes, extra traffic, loss of privacy to properties in Clarence Street and impact on bats and otters.

The development would result in payments of £1,152,445 over six years to Somerset West and Taunton Council - which will be formed with the merger of the Deane and West Somerset Councils next April - and £288,111 over the same period to Somerset County Council.