The decision on the future of Packsaddle Community Fields has been delayed, with Somerset Council removing the matter from the agenda to consider recent claims made by the community group People for Packsaddle.
The group has been campaigning to protect Packsaddle Community Fields for current and future generations since Somerset Council decided to sell the land in 2022. A meeting was due to be held on 5th November for the Somerset Council planning committee to determine the outcome of the planning application, submitted by LiveWest in May last year to build 74 houses and a home for children with disabilities.
However, the decision has been postponed to allow Somerset Council to consider the group’s recent claims of a significant reduction in the required education funding contribution for the proposed development. Initially, a Section 106 agreement set the education contribution at £882,441 to support new and expanded school facilities, but this figure was reportedly reduced to £156,791—a £725,650 shortfall that the group contends would undermine local education.
The group also claims that the development does not meet Somerset Council’s affordable housing standard, offering only 22% instead of the council’s target of 30%.
People for Packsaddle spokesperson Toby Culff said, “People for Packsaddle is pleased that Somerset Council has decided to pause and look at the serious issues we have raised regarding the planning application to build on land the council owns, at Packsaddle Community Fields.
“The council has indicated they will be considering the S106 obligations linked to the application and the viability of the scheme. We look forward to their updates on these matters. To get to this point has taken enormous commitment from our small volunteer committee and from our supporters. This is not yet a win for our campaign and we will continue to do all we can to protect this precious corner of Frome for generations to come.”
A spokesperson for Somerset Council said, “We can confirm the Packsaddle Way application has been withdrawn from the planning committee east agenda on 5th November. It will be taken to the next possible committee meeting after further review of the required S106 obligations and scheme viability.”
