The central government has approved the development of 1,700 new homes in Frome over the next 15 years, sparking backlash from local councillors and activists who call the decision a “mockery of local democracy.”
The Selwood Garden Community (SGC) project will transform agricultural land between the B3090 Marston Lane and the A361 into a mixed-use area featuring residential homes, commercial spaces, two care homes, a local centre with shops and potentially a medical centre, a primary school, and various public open spaces and sports facilities.
After a planning inquiry held in Shepton Mallet in August 2025, Housing Secretary Steve Reed granted final approval despite significant local opposition.
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Of the 1,700 homes planned, 30%, or approximately 510 units, will be affordable housing, including social rented and shared ownership options. The consortium responsible will also upgrade key infrastructure, such as the Beckington and White Post roundabouts, which are vital links to neighboring villages and nearby cities like Bath and Trowbridge.
Only a fraction of the SGC land was designated for housing in the recent Mendip Local Plan Part II, which included other developments around Frome currently underway. Somerset Council adopted a neutral position during the inquiry, raising concerns solely about the timing and amount of financial contributions toward local facilities.
Planning inspector Stephen Normington acknowledged the pressing need for housing, including affordable units, and recognized that the project contradicts policies in the outdated Mendip Local Plan Part I that restrict building in open countryside areas. However, he deemed these policies “out of date,” emphasizing Frome’s comprehensive amenities as making the development sustainable.
Normington also highlighted the need for employment land within Frome, noting that the project could generate around 565 full-time equivalent jobs, with an additional 200 employment opportunities in retail, education, and care sectors.
While the development is anticipated to cause moderate to major localized adverse landscape impacts, especially on public footpaths, Normington concluded there would be no significant harm to the wider Cranborne Chase national landscape. Traffic impacts are expected to remain within safe and efficient limits, contingent on planned upgrades to local roundabouts and enhancements to sustainable transport options encouraging reduced car dependency.
Local Green Party councillors Shane Collins and Helen Kay, representing Frome East, condemned the decision, citing overwhelming opposition and accusing the government of bypassing local democratic processes by delegating the ruling to an impartial inspector unfamiliar with the community.
Frome Town Council planning committee chairman Steve Tanner acknowledged community concerns but emphasized ongoing collaborative efforts to secure improved infrastructure, affordable housing, and active travel provisions within the development. He argued that the SGC offers a more considered alternative to fragmented smaller projects.
Anna Sabine, Liberal Democrat MP for Frome and East Somerset, recognized residents' worries but committed to working closely with the community to ensure the development delivers promised benefits, particularly new community facilities and much-needed social housing.
The consortium is expected to submit detailed reserved matters applications for the initial development phase by the end of the year. Construction cannot begin until these plans receive final approval, although preliminary vegetation clearance may proceed beforehand.