MAYDAY Saxonvale, the campaign group that has devised an alternative vision for Frome’s Saxonvale site, is appealing to the district council to give their plan a fair hearing.
The group has spoken out after the district council confirmed planning permission for a scheme by developer Acorn Property Group for a second time at a meeting on 15th September.
This scheme was originally given planning permission in January this year, but had been sent back to the district council’s planning board after a Judicial Review Pre-Action Protocol letter was sent by Frome business owner Damon Moore – who leads the Mayday Saxonvale campaign.
Campaigners said that the officer’s report considered by the planning board in January, had “failed to consider, and misrepresented, key policies” from the district council’s Local Plan for Frome.
But the plans were narrowly approved by 7 votes to 6.
Now, the Mayday Saxonvale campaign is asking the district council to allow their alternative plan, which is in the pre-application stage, the opportunity to progress, explaining that public objection to the approved scheme is “overwhelming”.
The Mayday Saxonvale campaign says, “The reconsideration of Acorn’s application at the Planning Board on 15th September was held for one reason only, to introduce textural changes to the officer’s report, in an attempt to neutralise Damon Moore’s challenge for a judicial review.
“It was clear from the meeting that the district council – plus a block of councillors – were determined to re-recommend this Acorn scheme and to close down any discussion of the Mayday Alternative Plan – a plan that is currently in pre-application. An application process that was due to take 4-5 weeks, but has been held up by Mendip District Council (MDC) and taken 9 weeks. A plan that was dismissed by members of the Planning Board to even be on the system.
“The level of public objection to Acorn is now overwhelming, and whilst our legal representations are ongoing, we appeal once again to MDC to listen to what the people of Frome are saying and to allow the Mayday Saxonvale alternative plan the opportunity to progress.
“Not taking this step will inevitably lead to further delays and controversy. It will risk the destruction of surviving heritage assets on the site which could happen imminently.
“What are people in Frome to believe if the Mayday Saxonvale Plan is blocked because the district council prefers a non-complaint, unfit for purpose development proposal? How could Frome be any clearer in making its views plain to the district council?
“Mayday Saxonvale is a good news story in planning. This could be a legacy for Mendip and a legacy for Frome.
“We have a viable and realistic method to engage in partnerships with social value developers who can achieve access to equity at lower profit margins and who are ready to talk, ready to listen, and ready to respond. People want to do good if they can, they want to help if they can, people want to see the places they live in becoming stronger, more self-confident communities.
“The district council is putting all of this at risk in Saxonvale, and we ask them again to pause, and properly consider the Mayday Saxonvale alternative’.”
A statement from the district council after the planning meeting on 15th September said, “Mendip District Council, as landowner, can confirm outline planning permission for land at Saxonvale, Frome, was approved by Planning Board last night (Wednesday 15th September). This was in line with officer recommendation, and subject to agreement of conditions with developer Acorn Property Group.
“Additional information was put before councillors for clarity and transparency purposes following the recent receipt and publication of the Local Plan Part 2 Inspector’s Report, and also in response to a solicitor’s ‘Judicial Review – Pre Action protocol letter’.
“Planning Board took the opportunity to endorse their previous decision – to grant outline planning permission for the Frome development – which was first approved back in January this year.
“The item was carried; 7 voted for, and 6 voted against.”
Developers Acorn Property Group has said that it is now focussing on finalising the first Reserved Matters application for the mixed-use development, which will be submitted winter 2021 and are preparing to re-engage and consult with local residents and the business community.
They say, “It is important that we create a new sense of place as early as possible, therefore the first phase will prioritise the public open space, park facilities, footpaths and footbridge to connect with Rodden Meadow.
“The Section 106 agreement which includes significant contributions being made by Acorn towards offsite highways improvements, an education contribution and the new footbridge across the River Frome is now ready for sign off by Mendip District Council.”
