Frome residents are standing firm in their demand to restore public access to Packsaddle Fields, a beloved green space on the northern edge of the town, amid a contentious legal battle.
Owned by Somerset Council since 1973, Packsaddle Fields has long served as a treasured walking and recreation area for families and locals alike. Initially intended as a site for a new school, its open spaces have remained accessible for nearly five decades.
However, plans to develop the land have sparked significant opposition. Housing association LiveWest partnered with Somerset Council to propose a project featuring 74 homes and a children’s home. These proposals were twice rejected—first by Somerset Council’s planning committee in January 2025, and later upheld by the Planning Inspectorate in August 2025 following a public inquiry.
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Despite these denials, LiveWest pursued a judicial review to challenge the inspector’s ruling. The government quickly dismissed the claim as “unarguable,” threatening to seek all legal costs against LiveWest, which led the developer to withdraw its challenge. Nonetheless, the agreement between LiveWest and the council remains active.
In November 2025, Somerset Council fenced off most of Packsaddle Fields, restricting access to only the existing public rights of way. This move has triggered a wave of community backlash. On March 14, over 200 residents gathered to protest the closure, organized by the grassroots group People for Packsaddle. The group condemned the fences, calling for their removal and protection of the fields from future development.
Toby Culff, a spokesperson for People for Packsaddle, emphasized the importance of the space: “Green spaces like this bind our community together. The unilateral decision to fence off the land without meaningful consultation disregards what Packsaddle means to us all. We must stand united to protect it.”
Local councillors have voiced support for the community. Councillor Adam Boyden launched a petition demanding the fences come down, which has already gathered over 1,400 signatures. Fellow councillor Dawn Denton expressed frustration, highlighting the potential for alternative development sites and criticizing the council’s rigid stance due to legal constraints. Councillor Martin Dimery accused the council of succumbing to “corporate bullying” and lamented the lack of affordable housing provisions in LiveWest’s proposals.
Frome Town Council has formally demanded the fence removal and invited Somerset Council officials to discuss the issue at their upcoming meeting.
On the parliamentary front, Frome and East Somerset MP Anna Sabine raised the matter in the House of Commons, calling for ministerial intervention. While emphasizing the need for housing, government leaders also acknowledged the importance of local decision-making and pledged to investigate the concerns raised.
Somerset Council and LiveWest maintain their commitment to delivering much-needed affordable homes on the site. The council cited contractual obligations and the risk of legal penalties as reasons for closing the permissive footpath and installing fences. LiveWest reiterated its collaboration with the council to explore development opportunities despite the current hurdles.
As the legal dispute unfolds, community members remain resolute in their fight to restore access to Packsaddle Fields and preserve this vital green space for future generations.