DEVELOPERS are working to get the go ahead to start construction work on a complex in Taunton featuring apartments and houses for older people.

AHH already has permission for the homes at the listed Lyngford House property and grounds off Selworthy Road.

But the start of work on the scheme, along with dozens of other construction schemes, has been blocked over contamination fears.

Oliver Hunter, chief executive of Bournemouth-based AHH, said: "We’re very excited to be developing out the Lyngford House site.

"It will deliver 45 top quality new-build apartments and houses for older people, not to mention the conversion of the listed house.

"This will safeguard the heritage of the building for future generations and deliver much needed affordable housing.

"Now that we’re also nearing the completion of our Platinum Skies development at Quantock House, this will also mean that the two sites will work in conjunction as retirement living locations in Taunton.”

Mr Hunter added: “We are currently working closely with the local authority - (Somerset West and Taunton Council) - on the management system for the phosphate contamination of the region, which is currently holding up all developments across the South West.

"Once this has been resolved, we’ll be looking to start work at Lyngford House as soon as possible.”

AHH, previously known as Quantum, bought Grade II listed Lyngford House from the NHS for £1.1million in 2017.

The four-acre site was prior to that used as a training and conference centre by the NHS, who deemed it surplus requirements.

As well as the main building, the site also features an adjoining cottage and stable block dating from around 1830, a 1980s purpose-built 18-bedroom hotel block, a detached conference building, parking and grounds.