A DEVELOPMENT of 120 homes from £69,000 could be built in Taunton.

The one and two-bedroom flats on a two-acre field beside the Wellsprings Centre, off Cheddon Road, would be for low income locals.

The National Trust, which owns the site, plans to sell it to Summerfield Homes for £1.9million.

The cash would help restore overgrown gardens at Fyne Court - both plots were left to the charity by landowner John Adams in the 1970s.

Summerfield director Colin Mattravers said a similar scheme of 36 affordable homes at Chelston, near Wellington, sold quickly.

He added: "That proves the need for affordable starter homes for owner occupation, quite apart from the 4,600 people on the housing waiting list.

"Hundreds more people are waiting for the chance to buy their own home and get on the housing ladder."

Taunton Deane Council Housing Enabling Manager Lesley Webb said people on low incomes on the housing waiting list would be eligible to buy the homes if councillors approve the plans.

The deeds to the properties - the most expensive would cost £100,000 - would stipulate that the owner could only sell on at a similar discount.

An exhibition of the proposals takes place at Ladymead on Thursday, January 17.

Hazel Prior-Sankey, Deane Executive Councillor for Housing Services, said: "I'd encourage local people and those interested in low cost housing provision from the Taunton area to take part in the consultation.

"The final plans will be subject to the due planning process."

Steve Andrews, National Trust Area Manager, said: "John Adams left us the land to guarantee the future of Fyne Court - now we may be in a position to invest in the garden and finally realise his vision."