A MAJOR housing development in Frome could be slightly reduced in size if amended plans for one of the sites is approved.
David Wilson Homes put forward plans in early-2020 to build 249 houses across two sites either side of the B3092 The Mount in the Little Keyford area of the town.
These plans were approved by Mendip District Council’s planning board in February 2022, with councillors also approving plans for a further 70 homes near Little Keyford Lane in July the same year.
The developer has now submitted amended proposals which will reduce the number of homes in the western portion of the site – proposals which could be approved by the new Somerset Council later in the year.
The land west of The Mount was originally granted approval for 131 homes – with the land on the opposite side of the road providing a further 118 properties.
Under the revised proposals, the western part of the site (which has been collectively named Francis Fields) will be reduced to 104 homes – bringing the total to 222.
Rather than linking the Francis Fields sites directly via a roundabout, the two access roads from the sites will be staggered, with traffic calming measures being put in place to “create an entrance gateway for Frome” and encourage motorists to slow down.
A spokesperson for Pegasus Planning (representing the developer) said, “We will be retaining the existing hedgerows and trees, only punctuated where roads or footpaths are necessary and utilised within open spaces and wildlife corridors.
“There will be a maintained ecological corridor along the peripheries and southern open space, and multifunctional public open space with proposed SuDS (sustainable urban drainage strategy) to enhance the biodiversity value of the site’s blue and green infrastructure.
“The plans include the provision of a safe new vehicular access off The Mount, pedestrian and cycle connections to the Little Keyford site in the north–east as well as Little Keyford Lane, and the development of new cycleways and footway links throughout improve permeability across the site.”
The southern edge of Frome has seen significant interest from developers in recent years, with numerous sites being allocated for housing within the Mendip Local Plan Part II.
To the west of the Francis Fields sites, Curo is currently constructing the Keyford Meadows development of 198 homes either side of Sandys Hill Lane – with a further application expected shortly for the commercial element of the site.
Gleeson Strategic Land Ltd. attempted to secure permission for a further 150 homes to the west of Marston Lane – but this was shot down in flames by the Planning Inspectorate in February 2023 following a public inquiry.
A decision is currently pending on plans for the new Selwood Garden Community (SGC) – comprising around 1,700 new homes along with employment, a school and other facilities – which is earmarked for the land between the town’s southern edge and the busy A361.
Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the revised proposals for the Francis Fields site later this year – though it is currently unclear whether this decision will be taken by its planning committee or through the delegated power of its planning officers.
Pictured: Proposed Site Of 104 Homes On The B3092 The Mount In Frome – Google Maps.
