Mayday Saxonvale, the group who have devised an alternative vision for Frome’s Saxonvale site, have now completed their whole site draft master plan.
They say, “With all sectional sketches completed, the Andrew Kirby Architects masterplan for Saxonvale has been assembled. This plan is not-for-profit, viable and will deliver the community and economic imperatives of our local planning policies. If Mendip District Council annul the contract with Acorn and agree a conditional option on the site at developed value, the Silk Mill is prepared to fund a full planning application based on this draft masterplan proposal.
“With the viability of Acorn’s planning application continuing to deteriorate and with serious and deep questions piling up and left unanswered by the district council, we believe that concerns raised by Cllr Scott Ward over protections on piecemeal development should be heeded. Given the failure of national house builders and the wide-spread scepticism they will ever make good on S106 and community infrastructure obligations, we need to find alternatives to these kinds of failed development models. House builders will never deliver the community priorities towns need and community-led development offers a ray of hope.
“There is no reason why communities should now not take the lead in these scenarios, either in partnership with house builders or by forming their own not-for-profit development companies. This is perfectly achievable and rational given the way developers seek to erode planning policies in the way we have seen Acorn attempt during their Saxonvale application. We hope this Mayday alternative can provide a template for the town in our ability to fend off inappropriate redevelopment, whilst meeting new home quotas and planning targets.
“All of the different sections of Andrew Kirby Architects draft masterplan have been drafted on the basis of understanding this site as a vibrant extension to our wonderful town and to give an opportunity for people to have a say in how the site could be developed and play its part in addressing the climate emergency.
“The masterplan brings development forward as a series of ‘quarters’ with a variety of uses complementary to the town’s needs. This involves residential, self / custom build, a new school, business incubation / start up units, mixed use live / work units, heritage and public / cultural uses – all connected up with strong ‘pedestrian priority’ public realm.
“Existing buildings and historic features are retained and re-purposed, respectful of the industrial identity of the site and boosting Frome’s independent and entrepreneurial character.
“The relocation of St John’s School and distribution of community resources, including affordable homes at a quantum never before seen in the Mendip region, will create strong ‘place making’ qualities and exemplar sustainable credentials.
“We call on all district councillors to step away from the control restrictions being operated by the district council over the Acorn plan which has been so divisive and anti-democratic. The Mayday plan offers a chance for collective forward thinking and an approach responsive to the creative strengths and vision of Frome’s entire community.”
For more details about the AK.A masterplan visit maydaysaxnvale.co.uk.
