By Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Mumby
The fate of a planned development of 1,700 new homes in Frome will be settled around Easter, the Planning Inspectorate has confirmed.
The Selwood Garden Community (SGC) envisions the creation of new homes on agricultural land between the B3090 Marston Lane and the busy A361, along with commercial space, two care homes, a local centre (which shops and a possible medical centre), a primary school and a range of public open spaces and sports facilities.
A public inquiry into the plans was held in Shepton Mallet in early-August 2025, with planning inspector Stephen Normington hearing from multiple local and professional witnesses and undertaking an official site visit.
Eight months on from this hearing, the Planning Inspectorate has confirmed that Stephen Normington’s report has been formally submitted to housing secretary Steve Reed MP – with a final decision expected by early-April.
On the opening morning of the public inquiry into the homes, Paul Tucker KC (representing the SGC consortium of landowners) said the scheme “offers a vast number of clear and tangible benefits” – including affordable housing to meet the needs of local people, the provision of new employment sites, the creation of “extensive areas of public open space”, and highway improvements to “deal with an existing problem” on the A36 (which links Frome to Bath).
Somerset Council took a neutral stance in the inquiry, with its instructed barrister Killian Garvey stating this was a reflection of its decision-making powers being taken away by the government’s call-in of the application.
He said, “Our neutrality should not be taking as either an endorsement or a refutement [sic].
“We neither endorse nor disagree with any of our statutory consultees, under the circumstances of this being a called in application. We have very little to add to the matter.”
The Planning Inspectorate confirmed the report and submitted it to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
A spokesperson said, “The inspector’s report has been sent to the secretary of state for consideration, and a decision will be issued on or before 8th April 2026.”
Pictured: View of land east of the B3092 Blatchbridge in Frome. Picture by: Daniel Mumby
