Following Mendip District Council’s Planning Board on Thursday 28th January, Chair of Frome Town Council’s Planning Committee, Steve Tanner said: “The planning application for Saxonvale last night 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.”
Here is Mendip’s statement:
Mendip District Council, as landowner, acknowledges the decision of the Planning Board tonight (Thursday 28th January, 2021) to approve outline planning permission for land at Saxonvale, Frome, subject to agreement of conditions with the developer.
Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke, said: “I am delighted at this positive next step for Frome. 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.”
Mendip District Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Enterprise and Finance, Barry O’Leary, said: “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.”
Cllr O’Leary concluded: “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.”
