A pathway through Packsaddle Fields is planned to be closed by Somerset Council to support a developer in obtaining planning permission, a move heavily criticised by local campaign group People for Packsaddle.
The site, on Frome’s northern edge, has been owned by the council since 1973. The public has been able to use a permissive path across the land, which is allowed at the council’s discretion and is not a legal right of way.
Somerset County Council decided to dispose of the land in March 2022, with an Option Agreement signed with developer LiveWest in July 2022. The developer submitted plans for 74 homes and a specialist home for children with disabilities in 2024, which were refused by the planning committee in January 2025. An appeal was dismissed in September, and the developer has indicated it will launch a legal challenge.
Under the Option Agreement, the council is required to help the developer pursue planning permission and any appeal. This includes closing the permissive path running south to north across the field and installing fencing along the public footpath in the north/northeast corner. If the council does not take these steps, it says it could face legal action.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for, Economic Development, Planning and Assets, Councillor Mike Rigby said, “This is not an easy course of action for the Council to take, we are fully aware of the value placed on the land by local people, but we must balance the wishes of local people against housing needs, and our contract with the developer.
“We have to honour that agreement. Access across the land by the public has always been on a permissive basis, the land has been owned by the authority for over 50 years with the potential for development – the footpath is not a legal right of way, it is a permissive path, allowed until such time as when the land is developed.
“It’s clear that there is a compelling case for the developer to challenge the appeal and we have a legal duty to secure the land in support of the development proposals.
“We have to consider the needs of the wider county in terms of housing need and the potential cost to council tax payers – we cannot allow the Council to become involved in what would be costly legal action.”
Work is due to take place during the week beginning Monday 3rd November to close the permissive path and fence in the existing public footpath.
Campaign group responds
Campaign group People for Packsaddle, which opposes development of the fields, described the council’s action as ‘cruel and indefensible’ and urged reconsideration.
The group highlighted the field’s designation as an Asset of Community Value and its use by local people over decades. It said the closure of the permissive path would reduce access to a valued open space supporting community wellbeing.
A spokesperson said, “Residents are rightly furious, upset and disgusted. They deserve better. The evidence given at the planning inquiry by members of the community demonstrated time and again that these fields are at the heart of our community, supporting mental and physical health as well as community connection. People For Packsaddle urges Councillor Rigby and Somerset Council to reconsider this absurd decision, and to stand-up for our community.”
The group has been in contact with local councillors and MP Anna Sabine. Somerset Councillor for Frome Adam Boyden said he objected strongly to the closure and confirmed that action to fence off the site has been paused while further legal advice is considered.
He said, “When I was told the council was going to fence off and close Packsaddle Fields to the public, I was appalled and objected strongly, as reducing the community’s access to green space would be very harmful to the community I serve as a Lib Dem councillor.
“After further discussions with the executive portfolio holder Councillor Rigby, and Anna Sabine MP, Councillor Rigby has agreed to instruct officers to not take any action to fence off the site, pending further consideration of the Government legal team’s response to LiveWest’s pre-action letter.”
Pictured: One of the Packsaddle pathways
