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Housing

Packsaddle Fields Public Inquiry Hears Rival Plans for "Unique" Green Space

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A packed council chamber in Shepton Mallet was the scene for a public inquiry on Tuesday, August 12, as rival plans for a "unique" green space in Somerset's Frome town were made by the developer, Somerset County Council, and pressure group People for Packsaddle. The inquiry, led by Planning Inspector Michael Chalk, aims to determine the fate of the Packsaddle Fields site, earmarked for 74 homes and a children's home. LiveWest, the housing association behind the plans, argues that the site is urgently needed to meet local housing needs, while the council and People for Packsaddle claim that the development would harm the environment and destroy a valuable public open space.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Packsaddle Fields site has been in public ownership since 1973 and was originally earmarked for a new school.
  • The site has been the subject of a public inquiry, with the developer, Somerset County Council, and pressure group People for Packsaddle presenting rival plans for its future.
  • LiveWest argues that the site is urgently needed to meet local housing needs, while the council and People for Packsaddle claim that the development would harm the environment and destroy a valuable public open space.
  • The proposed development would provide 22% affordable housing (16 properties), short of the council's 30% target for any new development of ten homes or more within the former Mendip area.
  • LiveWest has committed to providing nearly £157,000 for local school places and more than £248,000 to upgrade the White Row and Beckington roundabouts between Frome and Bath.
  • Somerset County Council's planning committee east voted to refuse planning permission for the development, prompting LiveWest to lodge an appeal.
  • The developer has offered to include a children's home as part of the development, which could be re-purposed into public open space if the children's home cannot be delivered.

Statistics:

  • 74 homes are planned for the site, with 22% (16 properties) set to be affordable housing.
  • LiveWest has committed to providing nearly £157,000 for local school places.
  • The proposed development would provide an additional £248,000 to upgrade the White Row and Beckington roundabouts between Frome and Bath.
  • Somerset County Council's planning committee east has refused planning permission for the development.
  • Over 2,291 households are on the county's housing register, with more than 700 listing a preference for living in Frome.
  • The housing requirement for the former Mendip district has more than doubled since 2014.

Sources:

  • Somerset County Council announcement, March 2022.
  • LiveWest plans for 74 homes and a children's home, March 2023.
  • Somerset County Council's planning committee east refusal of planning permission, January 7.
  • Planning Inspectorate public inquiry announcement, August 12.
  • Natural England legal advice, August 2020.

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