Neighbourhood plan to go to referendum

A VOTE will be held later this year on Frome Town Council’s Neighbourhood Plan, as the council moves forward with its plan to shape the future of the town.

It is expected that the referendum will take place in October, when local people will have the opportunity to support or object to the town council’s vision for planning in Frome.

The town council’s economic development and regeneration manager, Peter Wheelhouse said, “While the Neighbourhood Plan has been led by the town council, the process has involved hundreds of local people and so long as the referendum response is positive, it will influence for the better all new development in the town for years to come.”

Details of the Neighbourhood Plan can be found online at www.frometowncouncil .gov.uk/news or can be viewed at Frome Town Council offices on Palmer Street, Frome Information Centre at the library, or Mendip District Council offices in Shepton Mallet

Cllr Pippa Goldfinger said, “The plan will enable a better choice of housing, better safeguards for employment sites, improvements to the river corridor, the town centre and the design of new development generally.

“In addition, having a Neighbourhood Plan in place will allow Frome to receive 25% of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL – a tariff on new developments) when it is introduced.”

At the council meeting on Wednesday 27th April,  a more detailed briefing will be given on what the plan means for the town and the preparations that will be made for the referendum. The meeting starts at 7pm at Selwood Academy and is open for all to attend.

Any queries regarding the Frome Neighbourhood Plan should be directed to Jane Llewellyn, planning & development officer at llewellynj@frometown council.gov.uk or 01373 475578.