A ‘DISAPPOINTED’ Frome Town Council has vowed to move forward and work with Saxonvale developers to get the “best possible design” for Frome, now that planning permission has been granted.
The town council – which repeatedly objected to the plans for the site since May 2019 because of concerns about the lack of commercial space proposed, and the amount of affordable housing proposed, which was lower than the minimum of 30% they recommended – has also said that it is in discussions with the developers about using the Western Warehouse on the site to use for arts and education.
Plans to redevelop the site, which has lain empty and derelict for more than two decades, were given the green light by Mendip District Council – who purchased the site in 2018 – at its planning board meeting last week.
11 planning board members voted to approve the Saxonvale plans, with three voting against.
Disappointing
After the meeting, chair of Frome Town Council’s planning committee, Steve Tanner said, “The planning application for Saxonvale last night (Thursday 28th January) was approved by Mendip District Council despite objections from Frome Town Council and others.
“This is obviously disappointing. However our focus now must be to ensure that we get the best possible design for Frome and we look forward to working closely with Mendip and Acorn through the next stage of the planning process to achieve this.
“In addition, we are in preliminary discussions with Mendip/Acorn regarding a potential arts/education offer at the Western Warehouse, although contrary to earlier reports today, this does not include a new theatre.”
For the site, Acorn Property Group – who are working with the district council to redevelop the site – has proposed up to 300 homes, as well as space for retail, commercial buildings, a riverside café and park with play equipment, a public square, and green spaces.
Of the 300 homes, the now approved plan proposes at least 22.5% affordable homes (67 properties). It has been stated that negotiations with the developer could see an increase to 24 % (72 properties).
Criticism
The plans have attracted much criticism since they were submitted to the district council, with over 250 objections by residents lodged against the proposal.
And a campaign, Mayday Saxonvale, led by the directors of Silk Mill Studios and Gallery, was also launched against the plans, describing them as “horrendous”.
The group created their own ‘socially inclusive’ and ‘environmentally responsible’ alternative vision for the site and urged the district council to rethink its plans.
News of the plan’s approval has not fazed campaigners, who have said that the Mayday Saxonvale campaign will now move into its “next phase”.
From the Mayday Saxonvale campaign, Damon Moore, who is a director of the Silk Mill, told Frome Times after the meeting last week, “Save three lone and brave voices, Mendip’s Planning Board, by imposing Acorn’s application on Frome, has crossed a line in the seizure of our local democracy.
“Officers moved quickly to close down any query made by councillors, with the allotted time awarded to Frome’s representatives drastically curtailed. A minimal response was given to those 240+, highly eloquent and well-reasoned letters of objection from residents of the town.
“It was tragic – as cllr Francis Hayden highlighted – to see councillors voting against and over-writing their own policies upon council land assets. As a spectator of all things Saxonvale, one thing we have witnessed again and again is that opportunistic development of this site never prospers and Acorn’s scheme will be no different.
“As cllr Lindsay MacDougall from Glastonbury passionately told the meeting, development in Saxonvale must be led and governed by the community of Frome. So now we go on, and the Mayday campaign moves into its next phase’.
Following the planning board’s decision, Mendip District Council’s leader, cllr Ros Wyke, welcomed the news, highlighting Saxonvale’s potential to “regenerate” Frome.
“I am delighted at this positive next step for Frome,” said cllr Wyke. “This exemplary development will deliver a mixed-use community, with flexible commercial units, high-quality public realm, open space, and homes for all ages. I look forward to witnessing the thriving post-Covid regeneration of this popular town.”
Exciting development
Mendip District Council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for enterprise and finance, Barry O’Leary, added, “Saxonvale supports the delivery of our key priorities on affordable housing and enhancing our towns.
“It’s an exciting, quality development, within walking distance to the town. It’s modern and vibrant, yet sympathetic to the history of the site.
“I believe this is the fairest, most sustainable, most innovative town centre development to come to Somerset. I’m proud to have chaired the project board – delivering far more social housing than was speculated – and with walking and cycling at its heart.
“This is great news for the people of Frome, the district, the economy and environment. Instead of a stalled site, we will have sustainability and bloom.”
