CONSTRUCTION work on a development of 173 new homes in Bishops Lydeard is set to begin next Spring.

The development, known as Quantock Gate, was approved by Taunton Deane Brough Council in October and will be built by David Wilson Homes.

The plans include provision for car parking, public open space, a play area and landscaping, last week. Outline consent for the provision of a care home was also granted.

David Wilson Homes hopes to start work on the development in April next year and says close to 520 jobs will be supported over the lifetime of the development as homes are built, marketed and sold.

The developer will also contribute towards local facilities as it brings new homes to the area, support highways and cycle improvements, and children’s play areas. It will also make contributions to primary and secondary schools, community facilities and local playing pitches.

As part of the scheme, work will also be carried out to support improvements to the Taunton Road/A358 junction.

In total, £3.25m will be invested into local infrastructure as part of the scheme.

Ian Menham, managing director at David Wilson Homes, said: “We’re very much looking forward to getting start on work in Bishops Lydeard now that planners have approved the scheme.

"Despite having the title of housebuilder, our job is about so much more than just building homes. We aim to create a real community here in Bishops Lydeard and also support the community that already exists.

“We’re thrilled to be contributing to a range of local facilities during our time here and also supporting local jobs.”

Quantocks Gate will feature a range two, three, four and five bedroom homes. It will also feature affordable homes, with a selection of wheelchair accessible houses and bungalows.

David Wilson Homes’ sales director Louise Ware added: “The development has been created with a whole host of lifestyles in mind - from sole occupants and couples to growing families,” she said. “This is very important to us. We know there is a need for new and accessible housing in this region, and our home designers have done us proud here.”