PERMISSION has been granted for 66 extra care apartments for over-55s and 12 assisted living flats for people with learning difficulties.

Knighstone Housing won planning consent for the homes in Parmin Close, Taunton, from Taunton Deane Council on Wednesday.

All the homes will be affordable, with 68 for rent and 10 for shared ownership.

Tenants will have their own self-contained homes, enabling them to live independently with assistance from Knightstone.

Four of the apartments will be designed to allow wheelchair users full access and flexible living.

The scheme will include communal facilities, including a cafe and lounge areas.

Mike Day, director of development and homeownership at Knightstone, said: “Affordable housing is vital in Somerset and we’re really pleased to be able to announce these plans to deliver 78 new homes in Taunton.

“Supported housing for older people and for those with learning difficulties is an important priority for housing associations.

“As a sector, we need to ensure we’re doing more to provide modern, appropriate facilities to meet the varied needs of these residents and to support them to live independently.”