Green space saved from development after appeal

Packsaddle Fields on the northern edge of Frome will not be developed

A campaign group has welcomed a decision by the planning inspector not to build homes on a set of community Fields.

The former Somerset County Council entered into an agreement in 2022 with the housing association LiveWest, who put forward plans to build 74 homes and a children's home on Packsaddle fields in Frome.

This was turned down by Somerset Council but after an appeal by LiveWest the final decision went to the Planning Inspectorate. It agreed with Somerset Council's decision due to the loss of green space.

In a statement the group, People for Packsaddle said: "We are over the moon and owe so many people and organisations the most enormous thanks."

Artist's impression of 74 homes on Packsaddle Way in Frome.

The Planning Inspectorate ruled that the loss of green space would be "substantial and harmful" to the well-being of local residents according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The decision followed a public inquiry held in Shepton Mallet in mid-August.

The Planning Inspector Michael Chalk said: "The council has an urgent need to provide more affordable housing, with a historic under-supply resulting in a large and growing waiting list.

"But the site is regarded as a safe and well-used place, and the harm would outweigh the benefits."