NOT JUST A THREAT TO OUR GREEN SPACES, BUT A CHALLENGE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY write campaigners

On 3rd March 2022, Gleeson Land Ltd made an application for outline planning permission to build up to 150 dwellings on agricultural land to the west of Marston Lane, on the edge of Frome.

Following many objections to this application, the normal public process for consideration by our democratically elected representatives and their Officers was followed.

Frome Town Council unanimously backed the objections and rejected the application, as did Mendip District Council and its Officers. On 1st June 2022, the application's plan was rejected for being in contravention of local development strategy, not being sustainable, creating a 'significant adverse visual and landscape impact' and several other reasons.

On 13th Sept 2022, Gleeson Land Ltd lodged an appeal with the Secretary of State, requesting an expensive public inquiry. This inquiry is scheduled to begin on 10th January 2023 and is expected to last several days.

On 11th Oct 2022, all those affected by this planning application were informed of the appeal, and the date of the inquiry, and have been given only until 8th November to register objections.

This is a speculative attempt, by a private company, who probably will not be the eventual developers, to profit from the construction of unneeded dwellings on one of the town's most loved landscapes, an attempt that has already been rejected by our town and district councillors. It is now to be decided by remote officials after listening to submissions by remote and expensive barristers and legal counsel.

We are in considerable danger of losing yet another much loved green space for no benefit to our town whatsoever.