The old YMCA facility in downtown Taunton is to be converted into apartments after new plans are approved.
St James’ Court was built in 1983 and was used by the YMCA for accommodation with a gymnasium also included.
Housing association LiveWest put forward proposals to transform the property, transforming the existing 12 studios into six independent apartments.
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Somerset West and Taunton Council approved the plans on Tuesday August 24, which means construction could begin before the end of the year.
The site is on St James’ Street, a short distance from Somerset County Cricket Club and the Coal Orchard regeneration site.
Although St James’ Court is not listed, it is within the St Mary and St James Taunton Conservation Area, which means buildings should reflect and respect the city’s heritage and existing architecture.
In addition to creating the new apartments, LiveWest will be making a number of additional internal changes to the property – including stopping the opening to neighboring 1 Quadrant Court and creating storage space for electric scooters.
A spokesperson for Kendall Kingscott, representing LiveWest, said: “The proposed work will have minimal impact on the exterior appearance of the building, will not negatively affect any of the key features of the conservation area and will maintain the historic front elevation. of the YMCA building. “
LiveWest recently completed work on a major development in Ilminster, delivering 85 new homes to the former Powrmatic factory site on Winterhay Lane.
The Exeter-based company has pledged to deliver more than 600 low-cost rural homes in Somerset by 2024, including homes in the Elworthy Place development in Wiveliscombe and the Bishops Lydeard Paddocks.
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Speaking in mid-July, Development Director Gareth Jones said: “Housing associations have a key role to play in connecting local communities and providing housing that people love to live in.
“Over the past year, we have delivered over 219 homes in rural areas of the South West and are stepping up our deliveries.
“We need to challenge the sector to increase the supply of affordable rural housing and make a positive contribution to ensuring a thriving countryside.”
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Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-08-25 04:00:00
