The community is awaiting a decision on whether houses will be built on Packsaddle Community Fields, following a four-day planning inquiry held earlier this month.
Members of the community, including those from the campaign group People for Packsaddle and local councillors, attended the inquiry in Shepton Mallet from 12th to 15th August. They have been campaigning to save the green space on the northern edge of Frome.
Spokesperson Toby Cluff from People for Packsaddle said, “The local community were brilliant throughout the whole week. Around 60 people attended day one of the inquiry, with 14 of those standing up to speak in defence of the fields. We were really well represented by members of the public on the following three days and we are incredibly grateful for the support they have given once again and want to thank them for this.”
Somerset Council’s Planning East Committee unanimously refused LiveWest’s application in January to build 74 houses on the land. The committee cited serious concerns about the scheme’s financial viability, the lack of affordable housing, the loss of publicly accessible green space and questioned its overall sustainability.
The appeal was heard by a planning inspector after the developer challenged the council’s refusal, allowing evidence and arguments from all parties to be considered.
People for Packsaddle fundraised £10,000 to become a ‘Rule 6 Party,’ taking an active role in the appeal process by submitting evidence, questioning the developer, and presenting its case alongside the council.
Toby added, “In terms of the inquiry itself, we are pleased with how it went but we are mindful that it is now down to the Planning Inspector to decide on whether the refusal of this application should be upheld or dismissed. We await his judgement on this.”
