A GROUP opposed to development on the fields north of Packsaddle Way recently met with local residents to discuss the future of the land as developers prepare plans for 90 homes in the area.
The People for Packsaddle (PfP) pressure group want to preserve and protect the land from any building development, for the benefit of the community and local wildlife, and are getting ready to fight the planning application once it is submitted.
Somerset County Council, who have owned the land since 1973, announced in March that they are selling the land off and entering into an agreement with the housing association LiveWest to deliver up to 90 new homes on the fields north of Packsaddle Way.
The field was recently cleared by bulldozers despite the developer not yet submitting plans, which are expected to come early next year. PfP met at Frome Town Football Club on Wednesday 16th November, to let residents know about the latest developments.
Speaking about the meeting, Toby Culff from the steering group of PfP said, “We’re so pleased with the level of positive engagement from local people. People for Packsaddle was set up in September, and it exists solely as a means to protect this space for the local community and the town generally, so we’re very heartened to see people turn up on a cold and wet November evening to share their support.
“We think the area is underestimated, both in its ecological and community value, and we want to preserve and protect it from any building on the land, for the community and local wildlife.
“When LiveWest come forward with plans, we will oppose these proposals, which could include hiring a specialist planning lawyer and engaging with local ecologists and environmental specialists to understand the true potential value in the area and understanding its importance to local biodiversity.
“We think that Mendip District Council, Somerset County Council, and to some extent Frome Town Council, see this as just some fields that no-one is invested in. That is very much not the case. We need local people to join us in saying, ‘This is what local people want’.
“There is a feeling that Frome is being developed on at a very rapid rate, however we are also sensitive to the fact that there is a great need for social and affordable housing. We believe that the houses need to be in the right place and for the right people and we don’t think sacrificing valuable green spaces like Packsaddle is the way to address that problem. We don’t want to see every last pocket of green space turned into houses.”
PfP have set up GoFundMe online funding, which is currently at £1,485. This can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/save-packsaddle-fields
Toby added, “We feel full of energy for the fight yet to come, we have nearly 200 people signed up to support us and we’ve had some very generous donations too. People have just been so supportive of the direction we are taking.
“We don’t want to see any development of that site, but if we can get to a point where we can secure the future of these fields, then we would like to engage with the local community and wildlife groups to come together, to see what can be done with the space and make it community-owned.
“Climate, conservation and community are the three main themes we will focus on if there are any future plans. We’d love to enhance the site’s ecology and make it a great space for wildlife to thrive. This area has become of great importance to many local people since lockdown and we want to keep this a safe space for them. PfP plan to meet again in the new year – visit www.peopleforpacksaddle.org to stay up to date.
