Somerset Council allocates £890,000 to primary school

More than £890,000 originally secured for a proposed new primary school and nursery at the Edmund Park development has been allocated to Trinity First School to provide additional places for primary-aged children.

Somerset Council has confirmed that £890,728.89 in Section 106 funding, originally earmarked for a new school at the development, has been committed to Trinity First School after concluding there is sufficient capacity at existing schools in the town.

The confirmation follows an earlier statement from the council that suggested the funding would have to be returned to developer Persimmon Homes if no school was built. The council has since clarified that the money will remain within the town for education provision, while alternative uses for the land can now be explored.

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said, “When planning permission was granted for the Edmund Park development around 450 homes, approved in 2014, the developer was required to provide land for a new school. This was to ensure there would be enough places for children moving into the area.

“However, following a review of local school capacity and future demand, the council has found that existing schools in Frome have enough places to meet current and expected need.

“In addition, financial contributions from the development – totalling around £890,000 – are being used to support and improve local education facilities in Frome, helping ensure schools can continue to meet demand. The service has confirmed funding has been committed and commissioned to Trinity First School. This means the funding is being used for its intended education purpose within the Frome area.

“As a result, the council has agreed to release the developer from the requirement to provide a school site. This also means the land could now be considered for other community uses, which the council and landowner may explore.”