‘Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ for Saxonvale site

FRESH hopes have emerged for the possible rejuvenation of the Saxonvale site after Notts Industries (Frome) Ltd, who own the majority of the land, announced plans to re-market it. 

Frome town councillors have said that the re-marketing of the site will give Frome a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to develop the land close to the town centre, creating new retail, commercial and residential opportunities.

The news came following recent concern regarding the state of the former industrial site, which has been described as a danger to the public, a dumping ground for rubbish and a haven for anti-social behaviour.

A spokesperson for property owners, Notts Industries Pension & Assurance Scheme, said the site would also be made secure. “The scheme trustees are aware of concern regarding the property and are actively taking steps to implement site security and related appropriate measures imminently.

“Additionally, a new professional pension trustee is to be appointed shortly following which the property will be re-marketed with a view to an early resolution.  The scheme trustees are in liaison with both Mendip District Council and Frome Town Council and will continue to keep them abreast of developments.”

In response to this statement, cllr Toby Eliot, the leader of Frome Town Council said, “The town council is delighted to hear this news.  The site has been in a poor condition for some time and we have been working with our colleagues at Mendip District Council to secure action.

“The news about the re-marketing of the site is equally encouraging.  We hope that this will be the catalyst now for the site to be comprehensively redeveloped in a way that the town can be proud of.  As always, Frome Town Council will continue to work energetically with its local authority partners and other landowners to contribute to a successful regeneration.”

At the town council meeting last week, cllr Mel Usher said, “It’s hard to emphasise the significance of this news. We may be coming to the end of a chapter of quite a long book.

“The most significant point is that Notts Industries are going to put this land and buildings on the market without developer planning permission, because when you are looking for planning permission on a site like this, it takes a long time, a year, perhaps 18-months, two years.

“This way, someone will be able to pick it up and come up with a new set of plans, which we hope will be retail near the town centre, and the rest, mixed use development with some employment, high density residential and affordable housing.

“So this is a very significant step. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Frome. Because of the nature of the geography to the town, this type of site will not be available again, so we’ve got to get it right.”

Suggesting that an advisory group from the Frome community be formed, cllr Usher said, “I think everybody in the town will be incredibly buoyed up by this news and will want to make some sort of contribution, so a channel for them to do this needs to be made possible.”

At the council meeting it was agreed that Peter Wheelhouse, economic development and regeneration manager and deputy town clerk, will continue to liaise with Mendip District Council and other parties.

Soon after the meeting, Notts Industries pension fund confirmed that contractors will be on site this week to start the clean-up on land at Saxonvale.

Councillor Rich Ackroyd said, “Great news that finally Saxonvale is getting a long overdue clean up.  Well done to the trustees for making this happen.  It’s taken a long time, but this is real progress and nothing less than the good people of Frome deserve.  The next step will be to see genuine plans for redevelopment on this unique site.”

For further information please contact Peter Wheelhouse: WheelhouseP@frometowncouncil.gov.uk