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Dozens of new flats to be built near Taunton railway station
New flats will still be built near Taunton railway station after a new developer secured funding for the project.
Crossman Acquisitions – which is part of the Crossman Group – applied in April 2020 to build 79 flats within the final vacant plot of the Firepool Lock site on the A3087 Trenchard Way, less than half a mile from the southern entrance to the railway station. The plans were scrapped in May after more than 18 months of inactivity, following a negative reaction from neighbouring residents.
But Acorn Homes has now announced it will be developing the site instead, building 44 flats under a previous planning consent obtained in 2018. The triangular parcel of land is sandwiched between Trenchard Way, the railway line and Cunningham Court, which also provides access to the adjoining flats.
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The site lies within walking distance of the new multi-storey car park serving the railway station and the new access road into the Firepool regeneration site, which was recently completed. Plans for 44 flats on this allocation, put forward by Unavend Taunton Ltd., were approved by Taunton Deane Borough Council back in September 2018 – with no planning conditions being agreed for how soon the site had to be developed.
The brownfield development is being financed by Paragon Bank to the tune of £5.9m, to deliver 21 one-bed, 17 two-bed and six three-bed apartments. Acorn Homes founder Mark Thomas said: “We are excited to bring this new development to market, helping to regenerate the Firepool area of central Taunton.
“These apartments will provide fantastic homes and we can’t wait to complete the development. Paragon has been a supportive and responsive funding partner.
“They understand what developers need, the challenges they face and the support they require.” Acorn Homes, which is based in Taunton, has been seeking to deliver new homes at a range of locations in Somerset’s county town, including at least 57 flats within Michael Paul House on Corporation Street and 58 flats on Railway Street.
Outside of Taunton, the company is working to deliver 43 new homes on Friarn Street in Bridgwater and is seeking permission to build 48 flats off Wyndham Street in Yeovil and a further 18 homes on Lampreys Lane in South Petherton. Adrian Reeves, Paragon’s development finance relationship director, said: “Acorn Homes understands the south west market and has built a fantastic reputation for high-quality developments over the past 20 years.
“This latest scheme will be an exciting addition and we are pleased to have been able to support Mark and his team.” The new flats are expected to be completed and available for purchase by the end of 2024.
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