THE mayor of Taunton marked the start of construction at a retirement development this week.

Councillor Sue Lees helped to 'break the ground' at the Kingfisher Court development site on South Street.

McCarthy Stone's site manager, Dave Ridout, and assistant site manager, Lewis Roche, showed Cllr Lees the development plans at the site.

Cllr Lees said: “It was a pleasure to visit the site of McCarthy Stone’s new development in Taunton as construction is now underway.

"It was a good opportunity to meet the site manager and hear first-hand about the developer’s newest retirement community, which will help to meet the housing needs of retirees in Taunton and the surrounding areas.”

Plans for the new development were approved in March 2019 and McCarthy Stone are planning to move in the first occupants by May 2022.

READ MORE: McCarthy and Stone reveal name for retirement development in Taunton

There will be 62 apartments on the site, with a mixture of one and two-beds for the over 70s.

Nicki Beswarick, divisional marketing manager for McCarthy Stone Southern, added: "We are delighted Councillor Sue Lees was able to take the time to visit our Taunton site.

“McCarthy Stone is committed to designing flexible homes which allow people to make the most of their retirement years, so it was great to be able to showcase the plans for some of the high-quality apartments that will eventually be available at this new development in Taunton.”

For more information visit mccarthystone.co.uk/kingfisher-court.