WORK has begun on a 34-property development in a village on the outskirts of Taunton.

Greenslade Taylor Hunt has started work on Broomfield Park, a new development in Stoke St Gregory, which consists of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses and bungalows.

And the developer has highlighted the community spirit of villagers as a prime attraction to the area.

Villagers recently set up ‘Heart of the Village’, a community benefit society that gives residents the chance to buy shares in the local pub and shop.

This allows everyone who has a share in the businesses to have a say in how it is run and the opportunity to vote on all decisions.

Graham Gleed, a parish councillor at Stoke St Gregory, said: “Taking its lead from the community, the parish council has set out over the past several years to rejuvenate the village.

"A public allotment with a community orchard was created followed by a new sports pavilion and the current housing development.

“Furthermore, in a whole village initiative, a community project called Heart of the Village has been set up to ensure the long-term future of at least one pub and the village shop.

"Anyone moving to the village will be sure of a warm welcome and the opportunity to contribute to the community.”

Sarah Hall, new homes manager at Greenslade Taylor Hunt, added: “It’s encouraging to see how the local people have got behind the community initiatives.

"Their determination to keep the amenities running for current and future residents is heartening to see.

"Along with the sympathetically built Broomfield Park development, this will no doubt be a draw for new families looking to settle in the area and will ensure the village thrives for generations to come.”

For more information about the Broomfield Park development, contact Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s dedicated New Homes department on 01823 334466 or email sarah.hall@gth.net.