'Clear need' for 1,700 homes, public inquiry told

The development is proposed between the A361 and Marston Lane near Frome

Developers have told an inquiry into proposals for 1,700 new homes, there is "no better Plan B".

The Selwood Garden Community (SGC), planned for Frome in Somerset, would be built on the edge of the town near the A361.

On the first day of a five-day hearing into the application, being held in Shepton Mallet, barristers representing the SGC consortium said there was "a clear and pressing need" for local housing.

But the plans have been met with opposition from local residents, with some arguing there are "massive environmental concerns" with the site, as well as fears over infrastructure and pressure on local services.

The Selwood Garden Community includes new homes, community space and a primary school

Two new care homes, a primary school and sports facilities would also be built at SGC, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Somerset Council had been due to discuss the proposal in February but the application was called in by central government.

The council has taken a neutral position at the hearing and said it could "neither endorse nor disagree with" the developers' position, but would do what it could to secure financial contributions towards local services if the development went ahead.

Paul Tucker KC made his opening statement in favour of the new development on behalf of the SGC consortium of landowners.

He said the scheme "offers a vast number of clear and tangible benefits" – including affordable housing to meet the needs of local people."

The inquiry will conclude with a site visit on 12 August and the final decision on the plans will be made by housing secretary Angela Rayner within the next six months.