A DEVELOPER hopes to build up to 80 homes on fields on the edge of a village near Taunton.

Hallam Land Management has applied for outline planning permission for the scheme in Cotford St Luke.

If granted, the housing estate could include a local centre with shops, commercial units, restaurants and takeaways, public open spaces and a community orchard or allotments.

Up to one in four of the dwellings on the plot north east of Dene Road, would be affordable homes.

Somerset County Gazette:

There would be a play area and footpath and cycle connections to promote "healthy, active living for the new community" in the village, which was built on the site of the former Tone Vale Hospital after it closed in 1995.

Hallam's planning application to Somerset West and Taunton Council outlines plans for protecting existing trees and hedgerows, as well as introducing street trees

Adjacent to the local centre would be a village square acting as "a formal, paved space for socialising and local events" such as Christmas markets and craft fairs.

There would also be charging points for electric vehicles.

READ MORE: Consultation on planned new homes in Cotford St Luke.