Issue 283 – Preserving Frome’s heritage

Frome’s conservation area is under consideration, after further areas for inclusion have been identified.

A Frome Conservation Area Appraisal took place in 2008 and the changes made to the boundary during the consultation were approved at Mendip District Council’s planning board earlier this year.
During the meeting a number of further areas were proposed to be put forward as part of the Frome Conservation Area, including areas around Nunney Road and Somerset Road. Although the planning board chose to accept these in principle a period of public consultation is required before they can be formally included with the conservation area. The consultations which take place until the end of September will help gather residents views on the new proposals. 
A colour map of the current conservation area and the proposed changes can be found at www.mendip.gov.uk. Residents living in the areas potentially affected by these changes have been consulted directly and provided with details of the proposed extensions. Further information about the implications of living in a conservation area can be found in a Mendip District Council publication ‘What is a Conservation Area’ which can be found on the Mendip website.
Members of the public are able to comment on the appraisal by sending letters to Mendip District Council, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BT or email customerservices@mendip.gov.uk, clearly marking it for the attention of Paul Tomlinson.
Cllr Ron Forrest, Mendip District Council’s portfolio holder for economy said, “Mendip is a wonderful district which is steeped in history, and should be an area that we are all proud to live or work in. To ensure that we continue to preserve our built heritage it is important that we review our conservation areas.”
Once all the consultation responses have been considered, a final version of the appraisal is expected to be endorsed by the council.