By Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Mumby
Frome residents only have a few weeks to put their views across on 1,700 planned new homes ahead of a public inquiry in the summer.
Outline plans were submitted in August 2021 for the Selwood Garden Community (SGC), which would see green fields between the A361 and the southern edge of Frome transformed into a substantial new community, including new commercial space, a primary school and a riverside park.
Somerset Council’s planning committee east narrowly voted in December 2024 that it was “minded to refuse” the plans, and intended to ratify this decision in early-February – only for the government to call in the decision the day before the committee meeting.
The Planning Inspectorate has now confirmed that the public inquiry regarding the development will begin on 29th July – but the public only have until 4th April to make a formal representation to the inspector.
In addition to the new homes, the development (if approved) will also include a local centre and community hub (which will include shops, restaurants and offices), more than 25,000 sq m of employment space, two residential care homes (providing a combined total of 105 beds), a 420-place primary school, playing fields, allotments, orchards and new pedestrian and cycle routes.
Around 40 per cent of the site will be set aside as public open space, nature reserves or other green landscaping, including a new nature reserve on the southern side of the A361.
Of the 1,700 homes proposed for the site, 30 per cent will be affordable – the equivalent of 510 homes, which will be a mixture of social rented, shared ownership and other low-cost options.
The consortium will also make improvements to the Beckington and White Post roundabouts, which provide key links to the neighbouring villages along with Bath and Trowbridge.
The government-appointed inspector will investigate the plans on several grounds, including whether they conform with the government’s policy to deliver new homes under the amended National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), are consistent with the government’s plans to create economic growth, promote “sustainable” transport, adequately “conserve and enhance the natural environment,” and align with the development plan for the local area, including the revised Mendip Local Plan Part II, which is subject to public hearings from Tuesday 11th March.
Until deputy prime minister Angela Rayner MP makes a ruling on the SGC proposals, the council cannot grant planning permission for any application covering part or all of the site.
The call-in will not affect the delivery of housing on neighbouring sites, including the ongoing developments within the Keyford area (either side of the B3092 The Mount) or the Keyford Meadows site on Sandys Hill Lane.
Planning inspector Stephen Normington has indicated that the inquiry will be set for 12 days, beginning on 29th July, and will include at least one site visit.
To make a formal representation to the inquiry, visit www.acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk and quote reference number 3360037 by 4th April.
The venue for the inquiry will be confirmed by Somerset Council by mid-July.
Pictured: Artist’s impressions of the Selwood Garden Community submitted by NVB Architects
