The local community group People for Packsaddle are celebrating after a Planning Inspectorate refused plans for a housing development on the popular green space.
For several years, the group of residents have campaigned to save Packsaddle Community Fields, on Frome’s northern edge, from plans to build 74 houses and a children’s home on the site.
Somerset Council initially refused the planning application in January over concerns about development limits, landscape impact and loss of public open space. Developer LiveWest appealed, leading to a four-day planning inquiry in August, attended by community members, People for Packsaddle and local councillors.
People for Packsaddle raised £100,000 to pay for legal representation at the hearing. Fundraising included a special gig at the Cheese and Grain by Britpop icons Supergrass as part of the Frome Festival.
The planning inspectorate has now dismissed the appeal, ruling that harm arising from the development would significantly outweigh the benefits. The campaign group say they are ‘thrilled and relieved’ at the news.
Fantastic news
Toby Culff, spokesperson for People for Packsaddle, said, “This is fantastic news. We are enormously grateful to everyone who has supported People for Packsaddle and made this possible. This is a truly special and inspiring outcome for Packsaddle Community Fields and for the local community who have worked so hard to protect this precious green space. Our ultimate goal of bringing the fields into permanent community ownership now feels within our reach. We’re excited about the future.”
Coffee morning
Following the planning inspectorate’s refusal, the group say there is still ‘more hard work to do’ but are inviting the wider community to celebrate with them at a coffee morning on Saturday 11th October from 10.30am to 1pm at St Mary’s Church, Innox Hill.
Toby added, “This incredible community has shown time and time again that it comes together when it needs to. For now, we will celebrate this win with one of our community coffee mornings. We’d love to welcome supporters to join us.”
