PLANS have been revealed for a purpose-built care home at Orchard Grove, Comeytrowe’s 2,000-home community currently under development.

The state-of-the-art new facility will be run by Trull-based Amica Care Trust to provide specialist dementia, residential and respite care.

It is expected the facility will create more than 100 local jobs.

The two-storey home will provide a modern, welcoming and high-quality care environment, with plans including 68 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.

A range of communal spaces and amenities have been designed for relaxing and socialising, including a café, lounges, dining areas, spa, hair salon, multi-purpose activity rooms and quiet rooms.

It is the first business at Orchard Grove, which is being delivered by a consortium of housebuilders – Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group, which includes Bovis Homes and Linden Homes. Vistry Group is working in partnership with housing association LiveWest.

Working alongside the Orchard Grove Consortium on the project is Mercian Developments Ltd and Amica Care Trust.

Subject to planning, it is hoped construction will start next year, with the facility opening in 2024.

The care home will be the first purpose-built facility within the Taunton area since 2009. It has been specifically designed around the needs of older people, those with disabilities, and people with dementia – as well as their carers.

Design features include easy-to-navigate spaces, dedicated quiet zones and accessible outdoor space with secure, landscaped gardens and patios.

The home will be located close to local amenities and transport links, with ample onsite parking also available.

Keren Wilkinson, chief executive officer at Amica Care Trust, said: “We are delighted to be creating the first purpose-built care facility within the Taunton area in over a decade. It will be a fantastic addition to both the new community and the existing local community.

"Being based in Trull, it is especially exciting to expand here, and bring a much-needed new facility and many new jobs to the area.”

Ian Pugsley from Taylor Wimpey, part of the Orchard Grove Consortium, said: “Orchard Grove has been designed and shaped around the needs of people of all ages.

"A state-of-the art care home is clearly a much-needed facility for the local area, and we are pleased that it will be the first business at Orchard Grove. We look forward to the many more businesses that will follow.”