Councillors Express Reservations Over 1,700-Home Development

Local councillors have indicated a predisposition to reject a proposal for 1,700 new residences close to Frome, placing the future of the development in uncertainty. The preliminary plans for the Selwood Garden Community (SGC) were submitted to Somerset Council in August 2021. This community is envisioned for a site situated between the A361 and Frome’s southern boundary. The proposed development outlines the inclusion of a local center, a community hub, two residential care facilities, and a primary school designed to accommodate 420 students. The Selwood Garden Community (SGC) has been contacted for a statement. The planning committee east of the council narrowly passed a vote indicating it was “minded to refuse” permission. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that the grounds for this refusal are anticipated within two months. Out of the 1,700 homes planned for the location, 30% are designated as affordable housing, totaling 510 units. These affordable homes would encompass a combination of social rented properties, shared ownership schemes, and other economical choices. Prior to the meeting, National Highways retracted its provisional objection to the proposals, following a commitment from the consortium to implement enhancements at the Beckington and White Post roundabouts. Nevertheless, residents of Frome voiced significant opposition to the plans. Mike Bull, representing the Friends of the River Frome, stated: “There is a very well-documented problem with combined sewage outflows releasing sewage into the river. “This development must not make this bad situation worse.” Joe Hannam Maggs, a member of the Stop SGC campaign group, commented: “There has been no historic under-delivery of housing in Frome.”Mendip has done pretty well at meeting its housing targets compared to other districts. Why are we even considering this site?” Richard Swann of the Frome & District Civic Society expressed that approving these plans would result in fragmented development along the southern periphery of the town. He added: “This will not deliver genuinely affordable homes at the urgent rate which is needed.” Steve Tanner, representing Frome Town Council, characterized the development as “a missed opportunity,” asserting that the consortium was not allocating sufficient funds for town improvements. The planning officers of the council are now tasked with formalizing the grounds for refusal, and an additional vote is anticipated in February 2025. For updates, follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.