19 September 2017
East Mendip Green Party (EMGP) has welcomed the decision made by Frome Town Council to reject the application to site 20 shipping containers for office space alongside the Cheese & Grain and in front of the Canoe Club. At a planning meeting attended by over 100 people there was unanimous agreement that the application by Mendip District Council (MDC) was supported in principle in bringing much needed business and employment opportunities but was "incomplete and flawed".
EMGP are against the location and believe there has been a failure to explore other options such as on the eastern side of the Cheese & Grain, or opposite the Black Swan Arts Centre on Justice Lane or the open space in front of the library. Green Party District Councillor Des Harris has raised these options with MDC which should be looked at and evidence provided if they are not viable. Green District Cllr Shane Collins said at the meeting, "We are all agreed Frome needs more office space, everyone in Frome who has studied the plans is also agreed the Boxworks proposal is completely in the wrong place."
Somerset County Councillor (SCC) John Clarke said at the meeting "This application conflicts with the Neighbourhood Plan for Frome endorsed by MDC. It fails to meet the goals set out in the plan in relation to the river corridor namely 'Making the most of the River Frome corridor as an environmental and recreational asset.' Environmentally it is out of keeping with the surrounding area, visually impacts negatively on the river and amenity of the river path. The application fails to meet the aims of the Frome Town Design Statement in recognising the need to enhance the river as a 'major asset to the town'. This development will achieve the opposite, creating an industrial environment, rather than 'respecting the qualities of its surroundings' and promoting and enhancing the central section of the river corridor. "
SCC Martin Dimery has described the proposed siting of the shipping containers as "Having enormous implications for the Cheese and Grain, threatening its position as an invaluable community asset, undermining its ability to provide a range of events from Foo Fighters to weekly markets which are all dependant on vehicle access which will be greatly reduced and restricted by this development."
EMGP believe the plan is a real threat to the viability of the Canoe Club, which one member of the club at the meeting described as "at risk of being ruined." John Clarke said "We cannot place at risk this club which for 40 years has provided such enjoyment and contributed to the health and well being of our community not least the youth of Frome."
Des Harris said "I have asked MDC to provide an opportunity in a public meeting for the community to put their views directly to representatives of the council. This would give them a chance to engage actively with the people of Frome.”
To put in your comments on the plans go to: http://www.mendip.gov.uk/article/3203/Applications- Comments--Decisions Ref 2017/230/RE3
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