The leaders of Mayday Saxonvale say they are looking forward to ‘making a community-led development in Saxonvale a reality’ as they begin ‘positive’ discussions with Somerset Council.
This move comes after Somerset Council initially decided to move forward with Acorn Property Group’s proposal to redevelop the site, but Acorn withdrew their plans for the site following significant public backlash.
In a lengthy six-hour meeting on 31st July, Somerset Council’s executive committee voted to sell the Saxonvale site to Acorn, citing lower financial risk and quicker progress as reasons for their decision. However, the decision was met with outcry and scathing criticism from local residents and politicians, who expressed strong support for Mayday Saxonvale’s community-led development plans.
The next day, however, Acorn Property Group, which was proposing to develop 300 houses, including 160 affordable units, along with commercial and open spaces, made a shock U-turn and withdrew its application, stating, “It has become abundantly clear that in this case, despite our best endeavours to work with all the stakeholders, the local community does not wish to work with Acorn, and on that basis, we have decided to withdraw from the process.”
The withdrawal has been seen as an ‘unprecedented’ move which left many in the town questioning what would happen next.
Reacting to the news, Somerset Councillor Shane Collins said, “This is unprecedented news. In nine years of being a councillor I’ve never heard of a developer pull out due to community feeling. This shows the power of community in Frome.”
With Acorn’s exit, attention has shifted to Mayday Saxonvale, whose plan for the site includes 263 houses, at least 30% of which will be affordable, along with commercial and community spaces, a lido, a hotel, and a spa.
Discussions under way
The group has confirmed that discussions with Somerset Council are now under way regarding the potential purchase of the site.
“We are pleased to confirm we have initiated further discussions with Somerset Council,” said Paul Oster, director of Mayday Saxonvale. “We look forward to positive and constructive discussions with the council and to making community-led development in Saxonvale a reality.
“We will provide further updates on the progress of these discussions when we can.”
Somerset Council has released a statement confirming that discussions have begun with Mayday Saxonvale and other stakeholders.
