Taunton has welcomed a new wave of council housing on the site of the former Oxford Inn pub, which closed in 2018. Following the property’s acquisition by Somerset West and Taunton Council, plans were set in motion to replace the disused pub with affordable, low-carbon homes for local families.
Originally, the proposal aimed to create 11 flats, but after planning revisions, the scheme was scaled down to six flats within a three-storey block named Lavinia House, and two additional houses. The council’s planning committee approved the project in November 2022.
Despite delays caused by the phosphate crisis, construction began in August 2024 when Somerset Council, which succeeded the district council earlier that year, commissioned Classic Builders to complete the development. This project follows closely after the Rainbow Way council housing development on Seaward Way in Minehead, prioritizing local residents for both sites.
READ MORE: Over 5,000 ISA Millionaires as 2026 ISA Contribution Deadline Approaches
READ MORE: Royal Navy Deploys Somerset-Based Wildcats to Enhance Drone Defence in Cyprus
Lavinia House is named in memory of Lavinia ‘Livi’ Mongare, the former vice-chair of the local tenants' action group who passed away in May 2024. The six flats feature energy-efficient amenities including air-source heat pumps, triple-glazed windows, and solar panels to minimize heating costs and promote sustainability. Ground floor flats offer access to a solar-powered mobility scooter store, and all tenants have use of a communal garden.
Peter Hatch, Chief Executive of Homes in Somerset, praised the development, calling it “top-quality, zero-carbon council housing.” He extended thanks to Classic Builders, Somerset Council for funding, and the Homes in Somerset development team, acknowledging the challenges that extended project timelines.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, who oversees communities, council housing, culture, equalities, and diversity, emphasized the council’s commitment to quality housing. “We’ve transformed a disused pub into homes for families who contribute to their local community,” she said. “These are truly places where families live, work, and play in Taunton.”
Somerset Council is currently finalizing its annual budget, which includes plans to expand social and affordable housing through new builds, retrofitting existing properties like the North Taunton Woolaway project, and acquiring homes from commercial developers via legal agreements.
Smith-Roberts highlighted ongoing efforts to address housing demand: “With many people on our housing waiting list, we are actively pursuing multiple initiatives. The North Taunton Woolaway project continues in phases, and we are securing homes through Section 106 agreements. Our goal is to provide quality homes for families and individuals throughout Somerset.”