Frome flies the flag for community-led development

Frome is flying the flag as a pioneer for community-led development after Somerset Council unanimously agreed to sell the 12-acre Saxonvale site to the not-for-profit group Mayday Saxonvale.

The decision, made at a special meeting of Somerset Council’s executive committee on Thursday 23rd January, marks an historic day for the town and the end of Mayday Saxonvale’s five-year battle to take on the site.

Leader of Frome Town Council Cllr Steve Tanner, said, “This is a momentous day for Frome. I am absolutely delighted that what feels like a historic decision has been reached. The journey has been a long one for Mayday Saxonvale, but we are now one step closer to a development at Saxonvale  that meets the needs of the people of Frome.”

Speaking after the meeting, one of Mayday Saxonvale’s directors, Paul Oster, said, “It’s amazing after such a long journey of the work of so many people across the community to bring this forward and arrive at this point where we are hopefully going to be given the opportunity to deliver what Frome deserves on that site and what it can contribute to the future.

“The next step is to work with the council to complete the sale and we are all aligned on trying to do that by the end of March.”

The 12-acre Saxonvale site lies in the heart of Frome town centre and has been left undeveloped for over 25 years. Mayday, a social enterprise group run by residents with community priorities at its heart, has been vying for the land along with property developer Acorn.

Last July, Acorn was selected by Somerset Council to develop the site but the next day, the developer withdrew its plans after significant community backlash and following this, Mayday reported that they were in ‘positive’ negotiations with the authority to buy the land.

Now, with the green light to move forward, the Mayday scheme aims to develop 263 homes, of which at least 30 percent will be affordable (with a stretch target of 50 percent); at least 10,000 sqm of commercial and community space; a riverside park and children’s play area; improved cycle links between the site and Vicarage Street; the realignment of the A362 Garsdale roundabout and £246,000 towards improving the Gorehedge junction; new public open spaces; a hotel and spa; a lido; and nearly £828,000 for improving local schools.

Cllr Steve Tanner, who chairs the planning committee, said, “Frome Town Council has been steadfast in its support of this project, and I am particularly pleased to see Somerset Council making this important decision right here at Frome Town Hall. We will of course continue to work with Mayday through the planning process.

Ultimately this demonstrates exactly what local government should be – responsive, forward-thinking and rooted in the communities it serves. Today marks a crucial step forward for Frome and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Leader of Somerset Council, Cllr Bill Revans, said, “The developers convinced us that they have a business plan that will deliver for the people of Frome. Their proposals are innovative and exciting and we look forward to seeing what happens next. It’s important that the Saxonvale site is developed well for Frome and in taking this decision, we believe we’ve achieved good value for the people of Somerset too.”

Pictured: Damon Moore, Paul Oster, Kate Moore, Jonny Buckland and Holly Lawton from the Mayday Saxonvale team celebrating