PEOPLE for Packsaddle (PfP), a community action group opposed to the development of fields north of Packsaddle Way, have been celebrating following the approval of their Asset of Community Value status of the land – a key part in the fight to stop the area being developed.
Somerset County Council announced last year that they are selling off the site and entering into an agreement with the housing association, Live West, to deliver up to 90 new homes in the area, with an application expected this year.
PfP have recently acquired an ACV status for the fields, as well as being notified that the area has also been added to the register of local green spaces. The hope for PfP is that both of these may be considered as material considerations when the plans are considered by Mendip District Council following the plans being submitted.
Toby Culff from PfP says that the group is pleased with the result, but that the fight to save these fields is still a long way from over.
He said, “We’re over the moon with the result, but the important thing to remember is that although this is an important step in the right direction, the threat of development has not been stifled yet and we expect the application to come this year.
“Mendip District Council confirmed that the fields have been added to the register of green spaces in Frome, but like the ACV status, this isn’t a complete barrier to development, but it is an important part of the jigsaw puzzle when it comes to demonstrating the importance of the fields with regards to climate, conservation, and community.
“What was most pleasing was how the community got behind us and answered the call. It was vital for us to demonstrate that these fields are well-used by the community and that the fields are vital for community well-being and that was the case we had to prove – I think we did that in abundance as over 100 letters were sent in support of our application for the ACV status.”
When groups apply for an ACV status, they are usually given a six-month moratorium, or temporary stopping of any activity, which gives them the opportunity to raise funds and bid for the land. However in this case, as Somerset County Council entered into their agreement with Live West before the ACV status was acquired, this does not apply for PfP.
Toby Culff added, “This status doesn’t give us any legal rights or entitlement to the land, but it is a powerful part of the argument why these fields should be saved. The idea is that they may become material considerations when the planning application is finally submitted.
“Our ultimate objective is to save the space due to its value to climate, conservation, and community, but also to bring it into community ownership. We will be applying pressure to Somerset County Council and Live West and telling them that their decision to sell the site and build housing is wrong.
“We want them to recognise what this space means to the local community, and hopefully the ACV status and the green space status will make our case compelling. We have a viable alternative to bring it into community ownership which will protect, enhance, and keep it here for the foreseeable future.
“Finally, we just want to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to those that have been behind us the whole way. We had three tiers of local government in support of us, Frome town councillors and the council itself, local Mendip district councillors, and our local Somerset county councillor, Dawn Denton, who came out in support. I think it’s rare to have three layers of local government behind us, but I’m glad they are.”
PfP quiz night
PfP are holding a quiz night to raise funds for the group’s future efforts at Frome Rugby Club on Friday 24th February. Doors open from 7.30pm with an 8pm start and costs £20 per table, max four people per team. To book a table, contact toby@peopleforpacksaddle.org with name, specialist subject and contact details.
