In their final fight to save Packsaddle Community Fields, campaigners are calling on the community to help them plug a £10,000 shortfall to cover legal costs ahead of an appeal hearing in August.
The People for Packsaddle group launched a fundraising campaign earlier this year to support their legal challenge, but say they are still working to meet their target and urgently need help to raise the final £10,000.
The group is preparing to become a Rule 6 Party in the planning appeal, which will determine whether developer LiveWest can build 74 houses on the green space.
They say the funds are needed to secure legal representation, including a barrister and supporting legal team, to take part fully in the hearing.
Campaign spokesperson Toby Culff said, “The Packsaddle community agreed, at a packed meeting in April, to become a Rule 6 Party in the appeal proceedings. This means we have the right to submit evidence from expert witnesses, cross-examine evidence from the developer, and take a full and active role in the appeal process.
“We will be supported by an expert legal team, including a barrister. This decision wasn’t taken lightly given the huge costs involved, but we agreed that, having come so far, we couldn’t fall at the last hurdle and face losing the Fields forever.
“The local community has pulled out all the stops to fund the legal costs, but we have a shortfall of £10,000. We really need the people of Frome to join us and help us over the line.”
People for Packsaddle has led the campaign to save the site, with backing from local MP Anna Sabine, Somerset councillors Adam Boyden, Dawn Denton and Martin Dimery, Frome Town Council, local councillors, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), and the wider community.
The group says the fields, which are listed as an Asset of Community Value, are vital for wildlife and residents alike.
LiveWest’s plans were unanimously rejected by Somerset Council in January, citing concerns over viability, lack of affordable housing, the loss of publicly accessible green space, and questions about sustainability. The developer has since appealed.
“It’s long been our belief that Frome people can tell the difference between good development and bad, and that they recognise naked greed when they see it,” said Toby. “LiveWest and developers like them don’t care about Frome and its residents—they are here to take, take, take. Thankfully, Frome has shown that it’s a town which will fight back and say NO. We need that fighting spirit again.”
He added, “As well as raising a phenomenal amount already, we recently heard from the Planning Inspectorate that a staggering 200 representations were made by the people of Frome as part of the appeal process. It’s a clear message that the Fields are worthy of protection, and that local people will fight all the way to save them. We really are surrounded by incredibly committed people.”
The appeal hearing will be held at Somerset Council’s Shepton Mallet site on 12th August and is expected to last four days.
