THIS is how the site of an ugly disused 1960s tower block could look inside three years.

There are proposals to pull down Quantock House, which previously housed Government departments the Valuation Office and Defra before falling vacant a number of years ago.

It would be replaced by a 60-bed care home and 61 extra care units - and people can get a sneak preview of the plans at an exhibition running from today until Saturday.

A plot of land on the site has also been earmarked for stores, although it is still unclear how many shops will be created or which retailers will occupy them.

The development could be completed and already have its first residents living there by mid-2019.

There would be extensive landscaping, 26 car parking spaces, including disabled bays, and space for mobility scooters.

Facilities would include kitchen, laundry, a hairdressers, beauty treatments, a library, a restaurant and a bakery.

Bournemouth-based Quantum Group hopes to submit a planning application to Taunton Deane Borough Council in September or October.

The firm's head of community engagement Kate Greatrix said: "Following our purchase of Quantock House last year, we have been working closely with members of Taunton Deane Borough Council, local organisations, associations and representatives from the community on our vision and design proposals for this important site in the heart of the town.

"During the past six months our engagement with the community has given us clear insights into this unique county town, its residents, businesses, associations and its strong connections to arts, crafts, sport and recreation.

"We are totally committed to regenerating this unused site into a wonderful place that will revitalise the surrounding area, and create a new community for people aged over 55.

"Our continuous care retirement community will include a new care home, extra care apartments with shared facilities, together with some retail units which will bring many benefits to Taunton, including new job and training opportunities and will help to boost local businesses, retail and tourism.

"We have worked hard to make sure as many people as possible are aware of our first public exhibition, by distributing fliers to residents living nearby, local associations, businesses and shops.

"We have also advertised the event via posters, the local media and through the tourist information local events website.

"Over the next three days we are very much looking forward to meeting and hearing the views of local people and businesses – we really do value all the feedback we receive.

"As a company we actively engage with the community and will continue to keep everybody informed of our progress throughout the planning stages and beyond.”

Somerset County Gazette:

Somerset County Gazette:

Quantum community engagement team Christie O'Grady, Kate Greatrix, James Cheyne and Naomi Shinkins.

Among visitors to a guest pre-exhibition event this afternoon (Thursday, July 28) was Taunton Deane Borough Council leader John Williams.

He said: "Subject to planning consent, I think it's a great scheme and look forward to the results of the consultation and the comments of the community of Taunton.

"Whatever is said, it has to be better than what's currently there.

"As I have always said, I'll be delighted to see Quantock House removed."

The public exhibitions are at Ciccicc, in Paul Street, Taunton as follows.

  • Today (Thursday, July 28), 4pm to 6pm).
  • Friday, July 29, 10am to 6pm.
  • Saturday, July 30, 10am to 2pm.