Public given say on 1,700 new homes before inquiry

About 40% of the site would be set aside as nature reserves

People in a Somerset town have until 4 April to register their views on plans for 1,700 new homes.

The plans for the Selwood Garden Community would see green fields near the southern edge of Frome turned into homes, commercial space and a primary school.

About 40% of the site would be set aside as nature reserves and other green spaces.

Central government has stepped in and will make a decision on the plans after a public inquiry which will begin on 29 July.

The outline plans were submitted in August 2021.

Somerset Council's planning committee east narrowly voted in December 2024 that it was "minded to refuse" the plans.

In addition to the new homes, the development would also include a community hub, employment space, two residential care homes, a 420-place primary school, playing fields, allotments, orchards and new pedestrian and cycle routes.

Much of the site would be set aside as public open space or other green landscaping, including a new nature reserve on the southern side of the A361.

The plans would also include two residential care homes

Of the 1,700 homes proposed for the site, 30% would be affordable – the equivalent of 510 homes, which will be a mixture of social rented, shared ownership and other low-cost options.

The consortium would also make improvements to the Beckington and White Post roundabouts which provide key links to the neighbouring villages along with Bath and Trowbridge.

The government-appointed inspector will investigate the plans.

The council cannot grant planning permission for any application covering part or all of the site until deputy prime minister Angela Rayner makes a ruling on the proposals.