Details of a residential development planned for Frome have been revealed by West of England housing association and house-builder Curo.

The site, which received outline planning permission from Mendip District Council in March 2021 for up to 235 homes and a number of commercial units, is situated along either side of Sandys Hill Lane, near Sainsbury's supermarket.

Curo are looking to develop the residential site and have now submitted a detailed planning application for 198 new homes, including 59 affordable homes of which 47 will be provided at social rent. This represents the full 30% affordable housing planning requirement.

Responding to the local demand for housing, the scheme will deliver a wide range of homes, from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom family houses.

Proposals for the commercial site will be put forward by a different developer under a separate planning application.

Aside from a lower-density development with fewer homes, Curo have made a series of changes to the scheme approved at outline stage, in response to feedback from local stakeholders and community. This includes retaining the Keyford Farmhouse and converted barn, which were previously earmarked for demolition through the outline planning consent.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, said: "We listened to the community, who wanted us to keep the farmhouse and we designed a scheme that protects these buildings for the future.

"We worked with Mendip District Council officers through the pre-application process to refine our proposals and we believe the current plans could deliver much-needed homes in an attractive new neighbourhood that's respectful of the local character.

"We're hoping these homes will help more local people and families who feel they've been priced out of the housing market in Frome to stay in or return to the town they love. Our homes for social rent will give many families on the Council's housing list the opportunity to live in a high-quality, affordable home while the Shared Ownership scheme will help young first-time buyers to make that all-important but difficult first step on the property ladder."

Large areas of wildlife habitat and open space, including two play areas, are also being proposed.

Details of the reserved matters proposals can be viewed on Mendip District Council's website. Subject to planning permission, works on site could start next year with the whole development anticipated to be completed by 2027.