Cherished Frome Green Space Saved as Housing Plans Roundly Refused
Frome’s beloved Packsaddle Fields will remain untouched after housing plans were denied, allowing the community to pursue ownership
Frome, Somerset, Housing Development, Community Ownership, Packsaddle Fields
In March 2022, Somerset County Council announced plans to sell the land to housing association LiveWest, which proposed building 74 homes and a children’s home. However, on January 7, the planning committee voted against the project, reflecting the community’s desire to keep the area green.
Now, locals are looking to buy the land through a community bidding process. They want to ensure it stays as open space and prevent any future development. The committee was supposed to vote on the plans in November 2024, but concerns about affordable housing and local school contributions led to a delay.
LiveWest’s revised proposal included 22% affordable housing, but many residents felt it wasn’t enough. Fletcher Robinson, a trustee from CPRE Somerset, argued that the space has been a recreational area for locals for decades. He emphasized the importance of preserving it for the community.
The council has rejected offers from residents to buy the fields at a premium, but the community can now initiate a 12-month pause on development to gather funds for the purchase. Toby Cullf from the People for Packsaddle group expressed frustration, saying the plans were not what the community wanted.
Councillor Adam Boyden praised the local campaigners, stating he couldn’t support the development. He highlighted the extensive public use of the fields and the need to protect them. Other councillors echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the importance of green spaces in the area.
After a lengthy debate, the committee voted against the housing plans, leading to cheers in the council chamber. LiveWest has yet to announce if they will appeal the decision, but the community remains hopeful about securing the land for future generations.