Planning news in and around Frome.

And a reminder that the long-awaited decision on the future of the derelict centre of Frome, Saxonvale, is due to be decided by the Mendip planning board on Thursday evening.

It is the first, and only one of two items, on the planning agenda under reference 2019/1180/OTS. The meeting begins at 6pm and details can be found by clicking HERE : the Mendip planning site

It will be live streamed and comments are expected to come from opponents who represent the Mayday Saxonvale alternative.

Meantime, in other planning news, the team behind the music and entertainment venue 23 Bath Street have drawn attention to a resubmitted plan which will impact their garden.

An application to build a number of flats to the rear of Palmer Street have been re-submitted, and opened up again for public comments but only for another three days.

The plans are now for just nine flats and an extension to Palmer St Bottle Bar.

The owners of 23 Bath Street posted on social media: "These changes are welcome, but we are still very concerned that nine flats overlooking our garden will generate complaints and put our lovely venue at risk."

The plans for the former factory shop at 9-12 Palmer Street in Frome were first put in to the planners in April 2019.

At that time there were over 40 comments in opposition to the plans including from Frome's Civic Society.

One of those, and in a sign how it was all pre-coronavirus at the time, spelt out the value of having a new events venue in Frome.

They wrote: " The venue 23 Bath Street ... is much loved by the people of Frome and has been turned around to enhance the community in all sorts of ways. The hard work put in by the owners of the venue should be encouraged and able to progress. It has put Frome back on the map for great acts, bands, DJ's and an assortment of events again that are inclusive of all age groups, genre's of music and charitable events. I hope the planners see the implications of such an application and act accordingly to prevent what I can see as a disaster happening."

You can comment on the latest plans on the Mendip planning site by clicking HERE : the Mendip site site and searching for

reference 2019/0846/FUL

The opponents to the current plans for Saxonvale have just released a statement about the plans:

" The Mayday Saxonvale campaign is responding to this creatively barren scheme which - once again - is premature. If the planning committee vote to approve, Frome faces the imposition of a plan over-riding the objections of our statutory consultees; Frome Town Council, Frome Civic Society and Frome Chamber of Commerce. Fundamental problems expressed by members of the public have not been addressed, yet we see this plan already recommended by the Planning Officer. 

Why? What is a planning consent worth if it has not respected local democratic procedures? With not a single letter of support, more than 230 members of the public have written eloquent objections, so Mayday asks, by what right has this recommendation been given? Quoting from these contributions: - "Please listen to the residents of Frome and do not pass this proposal'" and "We need to see more ambition for our town, from our District Council and indeed would like to see you honour your own plans for the redevelopment of this site".

If Acorn have failed to do their job, they should be asked to submit their proposal again. The development of Saxonvale should not be politically imposed like HS2, but done with the consent and approval of Frome's legitimate representatives. Public trust is not a luxury - it is vital for the delivery of public policy. Mayday asks all of our District Councillors to think very seriously before taking this step. 

This week, Mayday Saxonvale's alternative plan begins its journey to live application status. In comparison with the Acorn proposal, our model will provide twice the amount of affordable housing, a substantial amount of live-work accommodation supporting people to set up their own businesses in an expanded, mixed commercial zone. It features sensitive and imaginative design throughout, demonstrating a proper duty of care and introducing green infrastructure solutions. An essential new site for St John's School will be added alongside greatly increased community space. 

Despite all of the political arm-twisting, Frome can have the Saxonvale development our town has asked for, waited so long for and worked so hard to achieve. Frome doesn't need Acorn - we can do this ourselves and we are not going to be held back. "