Social enterprise can now buy derelict Frome site

Mayday Saxonvale, co-run by Paul Oster, plans to build a mixed use site with more than 260 homes

A derelict site based in the heart of a town centre is being sold to a social enterprise, paving the way for its redevelopment.

The 12-acre Saxonvale site in Frome has been empty for decades, but a plan for more than 260 homes, a lido and a commercial space can now be taken forward by social enterprise Mayday Saxonvale.

The cost is being kept under wraps, but Somerset Council, which owns the land, is expected to use the proceeds to help plug its financial deficit.

Council leader Bill Revans said: "We believe we got good value for the asset for the residents of Somerset."

Paul Oster, one of the directors of Mayday Saxonvale, said the community "won" in the end.

"It's a bit unreal. I've spent four years imagining this moment in the distance and now here we are.

Mayday Saxonvale say the project will be the UK's first "community-led masterplan"

"I'm just delighted. We need to close the deal and then we're eager to get going."

Somerset Council previously gave another rival developer, the Acorn Property Group, permission to buy the Saxonvale site in July last year.

The company pulled out the following day.

In a statement, Acorn said: "Despite our best endeavours to work with all the stakeholders, the local community does not wish to work with Acorn".

The council has since been in negotiations with Mayday Saxonvale.

Brigid Clarke said she is "excited" about the council's decision

Mr Oster said they plan to deliver the "biggest community-led development in the UK".

This includes more than 260 homes, of which the group said at least 30% would be affordable.

There will also be employment space and community assets, which include a lido.

Any profits made from the scheme will go back into the community.

Mr Oster said that is what makes Mayday Saxonvale different from a traditional developer.

He said: "We are looking to engage the community and design the scheme around the needs of the community."

Parts of the 12-acre site in the middle of Frome town centre has been derelict for decades

Mr Revans said: "Their proposals were exciting and innovative.

"They have convinced us that they have a business plan that will deliver for the people of Frome.

"It's not an easy site to develop and we look forward to seeing everything Mayday have planned to be enjoyed by residents here."

Brigid Clarke, 63, a Frome resident, said she was "so excited" about the council's "brilliant decision".

She said: "It's huge for Frome. I have grandchildren here and I'm excited to see the project.

"I hope it can be rolled out to other towns and other parts of the country."

Mayday Saxonvale now has until the end of March to buy the site from Somerset Council.