The Frome Mayor Anita Collier writes in her update (July 22):

The FTC Planning Committee met last week, and one of the items on the agenda was improvements to the outline planning application for the Saxonvale site from Acorn, who are the developers. We listened to a presentation which addressed many of the issues we had previously raised about access roads and building heights etc, many of which had shown improvement, but we were left in no doubt that our demand (and a requirement of Mendip's policy) for 30% social housing, and a substantial increase in commercial space on the site, had not been met.

We're also wanting to ensure a bridge from Willow Vale into the site that will grant access to pedestrians and cyclists alike, but this was not included in the outline plan, even though it will be written into a legal document alongside it. So, while all the amendments have moved a little closer to something more acceptable, given the situation above and until those objections are dealt with, this is not an application that we can support.

It's frustrating for all of us to have to wait for this site to materialise, but the development of the town centre needs to be right, and we believe it's worth waiting for to make sure that it serves us well. It's the largest new development that is likely ever to take place in Frome and therefore it's worth making sure it fits the bill for everyone concerned to help the town grow and prosper with a strong sense of community.

One application we could support, however, was the one from H E Williams & son, the butcher in Baker St. who wants to rebuild after suffering at the hands of an arson attack. It will be so good to see this lovely butcher back in business and we were delighted to support it.

We have to remember of course that we're not the final authority on planning – that responsibility lies with Mendip – but we can discuss all the applications, address our concerns, request information from the Civic Society on anything that comes through, and then send in our recommendations or objections, using our ability and opportunity to influence.

You may have picked up on the story this week that Mendip is offering the Boyle Cross to Frome Town Council. On the surface it sounds like an outright gift, but all is not quite as it seems. There are costs associated with taking on this important icon for Frome and wherever public money is spent, we need to make sure we're spending it wisely on behalf of the town. So, we'll be having in-depth discussions about the repercussions of taking on the Boyle Cross. We believe it should be owned by Frome, but we must make sure that in doing so, it doesn't tie our hands to the extent where it becomes a millstone around our necks. But be assured we're working to negotiate a positive outcome that will benefit us all.