PLANS to install 20 giant shipping containers in Frome town centre have been met with fierce objection from local residents, who say the plans are an insult to the town and the people who live here.
Mendip District Council has applied for planning permission to install the shipping containers by the river, next to the Cheese and Grain and they would be used as storage and office space.
But the proposal has not been well received and strong criticism has come from both Frome Town Council and local residents. Over 80 people attended the town council’s planning meeting on Friday 15th September to discuss the plans. The main concern for the council was the location having a negative effect on both Frome Canoe Club and the Cheese & Grain. Others raised concerns regarding the loss of car parking, the proximity to the river and the visual impact.
Although the town council support the concept, they voted to refuse the application.
Councillor Pippa Goldfinger said, “While we welcome investment into the town from Mendip District Council, we feel this is the right development in the wrong location.
“We urge Mendip to rethink the location and work with all stakeholders involved towards a scheme that can benefit the whole town.”
Many residents do not oppose the idea of containers being installed and support the need for more office and storage space in Frome; however, the objection is to where the containers will be installed.
Mr and Mrs Angell from Frome said, “We think putting these containers next to the canoe club and Cheese & Grain will create an eyesore for the town. We can’t see this as encouraging people to come and shop in town, more like driving them away. So much for an attractive civic space.”
Another resident, Barry Mahar, said he was extremely angry about the proposal and the plans are ‘insane.’ “This is yet another insult to the people of Frome,” he said. “To even consider placing these monstrosities in such a prominent, sensitive location is an outrage.”
Local political parties have also echoed the voice of the people, opposing the containers being installed on the riverside.
Somerset County Councillor, Martin Dimery, has described the proposed siting of the shipping containers as, “Having enormous implications for the Cheese and Grain, threatening its position as an invaluable community asset, undermining its ability to provide a range of events from Foo Fighters to weekly markets, which are all dependent on vehicle access, which will be greatly reduced and restricted by this development.”
Frome Labour Party said, “We agree with local people that this is a good idea in the wrong location. With no infrastructure to support the bare necessities, unrealistic and unreasonable demands on our much-loved Cheese and Grain, a logistical nightmare for traders and rock n roll bands alike, a huge blow to our wonderful canoe club, plus the loss of valuable car parking spaces, we believe that this scheme is flawed below the water line. Meanwhile, Saxonvale lies dormant.”
The Green Party welcomed the town council’s decision to reject the application. A spokesperson for the party said, “East Mendip Green Party are against the location and believe there has been a failure to explore other options such as on the eastern side of the Cheese & Grain, or opposite the Black Swan Arts Centre on Justice Lane, or the open space in front of the library.”
Frome Times asked Mendip District Council after the meeting whether they would consider another site for the containers. A spokesperson for Mendip District Council said, “While we have not yet received a formal objection from the town council we have been in close dialogue with them about the proposal.
“The district council has been exploring alternative sites for some time, but these need to meet a number of operational and regulatory needs which means finding another suitable spot is not straightforward. The proposed project has the potential to significantly benefit the town and provide much-needed workspace, so the council is keen to work towards an appropriate solution.”
