The former Oxford Inn on Roman Road, Taunton, has been transformed into eight new council homes, now fully occupied by local families. After the pub closed in 2018, Somerset West and Taunton Council purchased the site with plans to develop affordable housing. Initial proposals for 11 flats were revised to six flats and two houses and received planning approval in November 2022.
Delays caused by the phosphate crisis postponed construction until Somerset Council—established in April 2023—appointed Classic Builders to lead the project in August 2024. The scheme follows closely after the successful Rainbow Way development in Minehead, prioritizing local residents for tenancy in both locations.
The new Lavinia House, a three-storey block named in memory of Lavinia ‘Livi’ Mongare, a former tenants' group vice-chair, houses six modern flats equipped with air source heat pumps, triple-glazed windows, and rooftop solar panels to minimize heating costs. Ground-floor flats feature access to a solar-powered mobility scooter storage, and all tenants share a communal garden.
Homes in Somerset CEO Peter Hatch praised the project as “top-quality, zero-carbon council housing built in Somerset” and thanked the council, builder, and development team for making the homes a reality despite delays.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, responsible for communities and housing, expressed pride in repurposing the disused pub site into quality homes for families who live, work, and participate actively in Taunton’s community. The council is currently finalizing its budget to continue delivering social and affordable homes through new builds, retrofits like the North Taunton Woolaway project, and acquisitions under Section 106 agreements.
Smith-Roberts emphasized the council’s commitment to meeting the high demand for affordable housing across Somerset, with ongoing plans to develop further schemes and provide safe, comfortable homes for local families and individuals.