Site set for regeneration could be sold off again

The Saxonvale site has not yet been officially sold

A site set for regeneration by a social enterprise could be sold to a different buyer if funding for the redevelopment is not secured soon.

Somerset Council agreed to sell the brownfield site in Saxonvale, Frome, to Mayday Saxonvale in January. The group said it wanted to deliver low-cost homes, commercial space and leisure facilities at the site.

However, Mayday has not been able to officially purchase the site due to struggles in securing funds from its partners, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council said the Mayday proposals still offered the best vision for the site but it would consider selling it on the open market if a source for funding was not quickly secured.

Mayday director Paul Oster said he was in "active discussions" with alternative backers. He thanked both the council and public for their patience.

Conservative councillor for Frome North, Dawn Denton, raised the issue when the council's executive met in Taunton on Wednesday.

She said: "This ongoing delay is frustrating for residents and is holding back much-needed regeneration, housing, and economic opportunities for the town."

Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, said "complex and challenging" discussions were ongoing with Mayday Saxonvale and confirmed the latter had so far been unable to complete its purchase of the site.

He added: "We share the frustration of the continued delay in completing this sale.

"We appreciate the community's patience and passion for this site, and we remain committed to facilitating a scheme of which Frome can be proud."