Plans have been unveiled to build up to 360 new homes on land near Frome Rugby Football Club, pending approval from Somerset Council expected by this summer. The development, promoted by Barwood Land, involves approximately 85 acres on the northern edge of Frome, situated between the rugby club on Gypsy Lane and Oldford Hill (B3090).
Initial proposals submitted in February 2024 suggested up to 420 homes, but following public consultation at the rugby club in February 2025, the number of properties was revised to 330. The latest formal plans now propose increasing the housing total to 360, including 108 affordable homes, meeting the council’s 30% affordable housing target for developments of ten or more units in the former Mendip district.
Access to the development will be provided via three new junctions: two on Oldford Hill and one on Gypsy Lane. Gypsy Lane will be rerouted east of existing agricultural buildings to connect with one of the Oldford Hill spine roads.
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In addition to residential units, the development will feature a community hub and allotments near the rugby club, complemented by extensive orchard plantings. The northern portion of the site, covering around 24 hectares, will be dedicated to a new country park and community woodland, acting as a green buffer between the residences and the adjacent Oldford area.
The proposal also prioritizes sustainable transport, incorporating numerous pedestrian and cycling links throughout the site. These connections will facilitate access to Frome town centre and Commerce Park, aligning with the Frome Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) adopted in March 2023.
A spokesperson from Stantec, representing the developers, emphasized the project’s commitment to sustainability and community enhancement: “This development at Oldford Hill will create an accessible and attractive environment that respects the local landscape. It supports national and local planning policies while delivering key benefits including affordable housing, new community spaces, and improved green infrastructure. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with Somerset Council and the local community as the plans progress.”
Given the scale of the development, the final decision will be made by the council’s Planning Committee East, responsible for major applications in the area, ensuring the process is public and transparent.