Plans for 420 new homes and public space

Traffic would join Oldford Hill via a new junction at the south west corner of the site

Hundreds of new homes could be built at the northern edge of a town.

Land promotor Barwood Land has submitted initial proposals for 420 homes and a significant public open space in Frome, Somerset.

It said while the development between Frome Rugby Club, Gypsy Lane, and the B3090 Oldford Hill could increase traffic by about 25%, the impact would not be severe enough to require major improvements to the local road network.

Somerset Council is due to look at the initial screening request by spring. After which more detailed plans could be put forward for public consultation.

A new junction would be made on Oldford Hill just north of Gypsy Lane

A spokesman representing Barwood Land said the first houses could be built by 2028 if planning permission is granted in 2025.

He said 30% of the homes, or 126 properties, would be affordable.

The majority of the land in the northern part of the site will be set aside for public open space.

And the new homes would be within walking distance of the Commerce Park employment centre.

The site is not currently earmarked for development in the local plans, which are drawn up by local councils to show where new homes could be built.

Somerset Council is working on creating its local plan for 2028 onwards.

There are also plans for 1,700 new homes on the south side of Frome in a development called the Selwood Garden Community.

Barwood Land's spokesman added if both developments got the go-ahead, the level of growth would be sustainable for Frome.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.