Work begins on 24 new low-cost homes near Frome industrial estate

By Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Mumby with further reporting by Frome Times

Work has begun on Frome’s newest housing development which will deliver 24 low-cost houses near one of the town’s main employment areas.

Mendip District Council voted in January 2023 to approve Stonewater’s proposals to deliver 24 new Passivhaus houses on Cherry Grove, north of the Chantry Day Hospital and the Marston Road industrial estate.

Construction on the new energy-efficient homes, all of which will be offered to local residents below the market rate, officially began on 8th May, with a ceremony attended by representatives from Frome Town Council and Somerset Council.

The new houses, which will be focused on achieving ultra-low energy consumption by minimising heat losses and maximising passive energy sources, are expected to be completed and offered for occupation by late-April 2026.

“It’s fantastic to see a development like Cherry Grove taking shape here in Frome. These new homes demonstrate what’s possible when we combine innovation with a real commitment to sustainability and community needs,” said Frome’s former mayor Cllr Andy Jones.

The development is designed and built to “stringent” Passivhaus standards, with occupants’ heating bills being reduced by up to 90 per cent through very high levels of insulation, airtight building fabric, high performance windows and doors and ‘thermal bridge free’ construction which ensures thermal heating of the properties is minimal.

The construction is being led by Martock-based firm Ashcot Construction Ltd., with the site eventually due to comprise eight two-bedroom flats and 16 two- and three-bedroom houses – all of which will be available for social rent.

Cllr Jones said, “Projects like this not only address the urgent demand for affordable housing but also set a new benchmark for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in our town.”

Concerns 

Local councillor Helen Kay welcomed the need for affordable homes but criticised the clearing of vegetation, saying the site had become “a verdant space complete with ponds and wildlife” after 20 years of natural rewilding. She said it had served as a buffer between the industrial estate and nearby residents.

“There could have been a raised bund with trees to act as a green buffer and help with soundproofing, but that would have meant slightly fewer houses,” she said. She also raised ongoing concerns about soundproofing next to the 24-hour distribution centre.

Cllr Kay said she raised concerns about how surface water on the site was drained with ditches running through residents’ gardens. She said, “When I raised concerns about this the plans were changed. I will be monitoring this.”

Developer response

Stonewater’s director of development Matthew Crucefix said all ecological work had been carried out according to approved plans and overseen by a qualified consultant.

“Regarding surface water drainage, we are diligently following the approved strategies,” he said. “A 4-metre-high brick wall is also being constructed to mitigate noise from the nearby Lorry Distribution Centre.”

He added, “We are committed to completing this development of much-needed affordable homes responsibly, in full compliance with all planning requirements.”