‘Positive progress’ on social housing delivery in Frome, says district council

PLANS to build 18 “highly energy-efficient” houses on part of the car park at North Parade in Frome, are being pushed forward by Mendip District Council.

The 18 houses will form part of the district council’s social housing programme, which also includes building 15 houses in Shepton Mallet, and 39 houses across Glastonbury and Street. In Frome, Mendip is working with social housing provider, Stonewater, to build the 18 houses on part of the North Parade car park.

The district council said, “This site attracted central government Land Release Funding during the previous administration. Planning application could be submitted before the end of the year.”

The district council has said that the social housing scheme is part of its key priority to “make Mendip a fairer place”. They say, “The scheme – the first for two decades – promises to create jobs, boost skills and the local economy, while leaving a lasting legacy of social homes offering fair rents for residents.

“Last night, (Monday 6th September), cabinet unanimously agreed to push forward its ambitious efforts for this much-needed provision. Members heard more than 1,600 families in Mendip are currently on our housing register.

“All three housing association partners the council is working with (Aster, LiveWest and Stonewater) have just received strategic partner status from Homes England – which means they will be able to access the funding needed to deliver social housing projects.”

Mendip District Council’s portfolio holder for housing, Cllr Richard Pinnock added, “Delivering social housing is difficult. If it was easy, then the private sector would do it. They don’t. It is often left to local authorities, working in partnership with housing associations, to take up that responsibility instead.

“Mendip’s social housing ambition is a good example of where this council can step in and provide housing for people who would otherwise have no hope of a home.”

The district council’s social housing scheme had originally included a proposed 77 houses on Easthill, a green space that adjoins the cemetery and railway.

However, following strong opposition from local campaigners – who said that the site was treasured by the community and an important site for wildlife – the site was dropped from the plans in June this year.

Instead, the district council said that the green space will be retained for a possible future extension of the neighbouring cemetery – which campaigners cautiously welcomed.