MORE than 80 homes could be created at part of the County Hall complex in Taunton.

A plan has been submitted to Somerset Council by Prime (UK) Developments Limited to change the use of Block C of County Hall into “key worker housing”.

The eight-storey building, on a site of 0.25 hectares on The Crescent and Upper High Street, was built in the 60s and 70s and was sold off by the council in March this year.

Neighbouring Block B continues to be used as council offices, but Prime Developments wants to convert Block C into 82 apartments “primarily” for occupation by NHS staff from nearby Musgrove Park Hospital.

The development would feature 42 one-bed one-person apartments, 17 one-bed two-person apartments, two two-bedroom apartments and 21 “premium studios” to accommodate “those who have just graduated or are looking for a more affordable housing option”.

“The provision of the studios is essential for meeting the needs of the key workers in the local area,” the application said, with the studio apartments having an average floor area of around 25sqm.

New stair and lift access would be created as part of the work, with alterations to the exterior appearance of the building.

“The landscaped area to the south of the building will be enhanced to provide a shared amenity space for occupiers,” the application went on.

“Land within the control of the application will also be subject to landscape enhancements which include a perimeter hedgerow, tree planting and improving the grassed area with a meadow mixture.”

Somerset Council will now consider the application.

When the property was sold Will Bilbrough, technical development director at Prime, said: “On previous projects we have seen first-hand how having access to holistically designed accommodation can transform the experience of key workers, improving their wellbeing and supporting them to stay with employers longer.

“We are excited to get started on redeveloping C Block, County Hall, giving it a second life as an asset to the local community.”

And Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s lead member for strategic asset management, said: “We are very pleased to see this sale completed. When Somerset Council was formed in 2023, we committed to reviewing our estate and making the right decisions, including selling buildings that were no longer required, to generate income that will play a part in protecting vital services for residents.

“This sale is a great example of the positive changes and steps we are taking to address the budget gap we face.

“Providing accommodation to our county’s keyworkers is also a great opportunity and we look forward to seeing these plans progress.”

For more details on the plans, and to comment, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search application reference 38/25/0388.

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