A local campaign group is calling for community support in a last-ditch effort to save the green fields at Packsaddle from housing development.
People for Packsaddle, who have led the campaign to protect the site on Frome’s northern edge, are preparing to contest a developer’s appeal after Somerset Council rejected a plan to build 74 houses on the land. A public hearing is due to take place in August.
The group has registered as a ‘Rule 6 Party’, meaning it will take an active role in the appeal process – submitting evidence, questioning the developer, and presenting its case alongside the council.
The decision follows a packed meeting at St Mary’s Church on Innox Hill, where a large number of concerned residents gathered to discuss the next steps.
“This is our last chance to save the fields, but it will be hugely expensive,” said campaign spokesperson Toby Culff. “We are asking anyone who supports our campaign to please donate to our fundraising campaign so we can get the legal backing we need.”
Somerset Council’s planning east committee unanimously refused LiveWest’s application in January, citing serious concerns about financial viability, the lack of affordable housing, the loss of publicly accessible green space, and questions over the sustainability of the scheme, before the developer appealed against this decision recently.
“The overriding feeling at the meeting was that having come so far, against the odds, we must do everything we can to fight this appeal and uphold the council’s democratically-made decision,” says Toby. “To do nothing at this stage would be to invite certain defeat and this precious space will be lost forever.
“People for Packsaddle are determined and feel equipped to fight on, but we can only do it with the support of our incredible community.”
The site has been under threat since March 2022, when Somerset County Council revealed plans to sell the land and entered an agreement with housing association LiveWest. Plans for 74 homes and a children’s home were submitted in March 2023.
Residents have until 12th May to make formal representations to the inquiry by visiting www.acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk and quoting case reference number 3363055.
To support the campaign or donate, visit: www.peopleforpacksaddle.org and click on Make a Donation.
