SOMERSET Council has appointed Classic Builders (South West) Ltd the main contractor of Phase B and Ci of the North Taunton Woolaway Project (NTWP).

At a meeting of executive earlier this month, councillors appointed the contractor following a procurement process.

Some 47 houses, which the government designated as defective, located on Southampton Row, Hereford Drive, Oxford Place and Durham Place, are being demolished and replaced with 53 sustainable homes.

The new properties will consist of one- and two-2 bed apartments, 2two-bed bungalows and two, three and four-bed houses, including three three-bed wheelchair accessible homes.

The new low carbon houses are designed to Lifetime Home Standards to enable tenants to remain in their home as their needs change.

Ecology friendly measures such as bat boxes, bird boxes, bee bricks and hedgehog highways are incorporated into the plans.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, lead member for communities, housing and culture, said: “We’re pleased to appoint Classic Builders as our main contractor to continue the construction of this important local housing development.

“Their expertise and commitment will play a crucial role in bringing these much-needed homes to fruition for the benefit of Somerset residents.”

Adam Brimacombe, director of Classic Builders, said: “As a South West based local contractor, we are delighted to have been appointed to work with Somerset Council once again to deliver this key project as part of their regeneration agenda.

“We are passionate about promoting sustainability within the industry and will bring our technical knowledge of sustainable construction methods and materials to the table on this project”.

Demolition works have commenced by contractor Hughes & Salvidge for Phases B, Ci and Di of the scheme.

The site is being hoarded and properties are being prepared for demolition.

Once completed, the construction of the new homes will begin, which is expected to be this summer.