PEOPLE living in Frome will next month get the chance to vote on how the town is developed over the next 13 years, as a referendum is held on whether to accept the town council’s vision.
Frome’s Neighbourhood Plan Referendum will take place on Thursday 20th October, when local people can vote on whether to approve the town council’s guide for how the town should be developed between now and 2028.
Frome is the first town in Mendip to hold the referendum and, if more than 50% of voters approve the proposed plan, it will be used to influence the district council’s decisions on future planning applications for the town.
District councillor Nigel Woollcombe-Adams said, “The first Neighbourhood Plan Referendum will be an historic day for the district, so I hope that the people of Frome vote and have their say.
“If approved, the Neighbourhood Plan will have a major influence on planning and development in Frome for years to come and will help shape the future of the town.”
The Frome Neighbourhood Plan was prepared by Frome Town Council in consultation with residents and community organisations in the town and includes policies on housing, design and a number of area-specific policies for sites in Frome.
The plan includes policies on creating 2,700 more local jobs and providing land for businesses, possibly expanding the Marston and Commerce Park trading estates.
It also plans on controlling housing development by making sure that new homes fit in with the town’s character, that support is given to self-build and co-housing schemes, and that land at The Mount is properly developed.
The town council also promotes the improvement of the town centre, with plans to make it more pedestrian-friendly, to support independent businesses and markets, and encourage more evening culture such as restaurants, clubs and hotels.
There are also plans to improve and safeguard the natural environment in the town, including the river, and to improve facilities for walking, cycling and using public transport instead of driving.
To see the full neighbourhood plan go to www.mendip.gov.uk/ fromeneighbourhoodplan.
Voters will be asked the question: ‘Do you want Mendip District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Frome to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?’
Residents are expected to receive their polling cards over the coming weeks, and polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on voting day.
Any questions should be directed to Mendip’s planning policy team on 0300 303 8588 or planningpolicy@mendip.gov.uk