You were kind enough to publish my original letter regarding planned development of the Saxonvale site at the end of January this year. I would like to take this opportunity to revisit my comments in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. It has become very clear in the last few days and weeks that the government regulations have driven a significant change in people’s behaviour, and I think we need to consider two major dynamics that have been accelerated by the lockdown.
First, far more people than we’d ever imagined have now discovered that they can work from home, either fully or partially. Second, far more people have now discovered the benefits of on-line shopping for their commodity purchases. We need to update our expectations for Saxonvale in the light of those two statements. The traditional model of a Town Centre with chain stores and multinationals as the primary driver was already under threat before the pandemic, and many will struggle to revive themselves with that approach. Frome has the advantage that the town centre was already a thriving hub of small independent traders, and it is that opportunity for leisure and impulse shopping that will bring people back into the town in the future.
Similarly, the work from home ethos will become more prevalent. Homes with space for a dedicated home office will be in demand, as will properties that have the flexibility to support the artisan “maker at home” and the opportunity to display those crafts for retail sales.
This huge increase in mixed use homes is what needs to be designed for in an updated plan for Saxonvale. The upside of course will be fewer commutes, less car dependency, and lower carbon emissions.
The other aspect that I must touch on before closing is affordable housing. We have to expect a significant economic shock as we come out of lockdown, and as ever it’s the poorest and least resilient in the community that will bear the heaviest impact. I don’t believe that the current “affordable housing” model is a long-term solution. In my view it will be essential that social housing for rent, owned and managed in perpetuity for the benefit of those not able to buy their own home, should be an integral part of this and any new development in the future.
Regards
Andy Jones
