Plans for 87 new homes in Halcon

Halcon was built after World War II to replace slum housing

An £11m scheme to build nearly 90 new homes in a deprived area of Somerset has been drawn up.

Taunton Deane Borough Council wants to build 57 affordable properties in Creechbarrow Road in Halcon.

Knightstone Housing Association would also build 30 homes on another section of the site as part of the scheme.

The council became self-financing in terms of housing stock last year. Leader John Williams said building new homes was an "historic occasion".

"For decades we have not been able to construct council housing and add to our housing stock. This time we are allowed to do it," added Mr Williams.

The development is part of the Conservative-run authority's new budget proposals.

Other plans include £1m loan to Somerset County Cricket Club, as well as the refurbishment of the Station Road swimming pool and the Orchard multi-storey car park.

Family homes

The Halcon estate was built after World War II to replace slum housing.

If approved, an existing blocks of flats, built in the 1970s, would be demolished, with occupants moved to alternative accommodation.

Other proposals include flats for active older people, ground floor accommodation for people with disabilities, and family homes.

Part of the land would be transferred to Knightstone with the rest of the site remaining with the council.

The borough council is hoping to invest £7.7m in the scheme, with Knightstone contributing £4m.

The budget proposals will be considered by the executive on 6 February before being debated by full council on 26 February.