28 March 2020
(Saxonvale in early 2020)
Mendip District Council took the bold decision in 2018 to purchase the Saxonvale site in Frome from private ownership. Whatever the outcome, it will be better than initial proposals for high-density housing and very little else. The decision should be applauded but we still need to fight for the most beneficial outcome for Frome.
There have been some concerns raised about the process followed by Mendip District Council and its legitimacy. These concerns clearly must be addressed but should not result in a block on the development.
A priority is much needed social housing, which the Green Party strongly supports. Mendip’s Local Plan requires that 30% of new homes should be ‘affordable’, and Saxonvale must meet this standard.
The proposed 45,000 sq metres of business space is disappointing in that there is a greater need for business premises. We need to be promoting employment in Frome to avoid becoming a commuter town. The potential greater profit from housing must be a factor in not providing more business space, so financial returns appear to have been taken as paramount.
The developers have stated how they will build work-live housing and retain trees and riverside landscape for a park, with cycle and pedestrian access. Frome Town Council has announced the exciting prospect of an onsite community-owned electricity supply as part of making the development carbon neutral. It must be a development fit to cope with the climate and ecological emergency. Green councillors will use their positions and work with others to lobby for a development which meets these conditions.
Saxonvale provides an opportunity for a return of greater value than purely monetary profit – value which equates with improved wellbeing and quality of life for the community, a development which will be fit for the future and for living in an environment affected by climate change. Such an approach would entail not pursuing maximum profit but social profit, social benefit. This would require more bold decisions being taken by Mendip District Council and demonstrate how the interests of not only Frome but the wider Mendip community are at the heart of the actions they take.
This is a rare opportunity to be truly creative in building an outstanding sustainable development setting a standard and innovative model for Mendip. A development that meets the needs of Frome, reflecting and protecting its heritage and unique character. This is what we will be fighting to achieve!
Cllr John Clarke
Frome Market ward
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