New coalition demands better from housing developers

A COALITION of local groups and representatives has been formed to help improve the plans to build more than 300 houses in Frome. 

A decision on the three separate applications for a combined total of 325 houses – on three sites either side of the B3092 The Mount at the town’s southern edge – was deferred by up to six months by Mendip District Council, to give developers time to put forward an alternative master plan for the area.  

In anticipation of the new master plan, the new coalition – which includes Friends of Little Keyford (F.O.L.K.), Frome Civic Society, local residents and councillors – has been formed to tell the developers what they would like to see in the plans, rather than reacting to the plans and objecting. 

“What we are looking for is an opportunity to encourage the developers to do something different,” said a F.O.L.K. spokesperson at a meeting of the Frome Town Council’s planning committee last week, “something better, ideally something ground-breaking, possibly even prize-winning.  

“A development that Frome could be proud of, and known for, in the same way that Norwich is known for winning the Stirling architecture prize for the row of terraced houses.” 

The F.O.L.K. spokesperson explained that a dialogue has already begun with the developers, who have asked the coalition for a list of priorities for the site. 

The developers, Wainhomes and David Wilson Home, have been encouraged to improve access and road safety, resolve drainage issues, improve the layout of open spaces, and introduce sustainability measures as standard across the site. 

At the meeting last week, the town council informally agreed to be part of the coalition – a formal decision could not be made as it was not on the agenda.