Home Bargains is set to open a new store in Frome, generating more than 100 local jobs, following approval from Somerset Council. The store will be part of the Keyford Meadows development, a mixed-use site near Frome’s Sainsbury’s supermarket and McDonald’s drive-thru.
Initially, Mendip District Council granted outline planning permission in July 2020 for 235 homes along with commercial spaces on Sandys Hill Lane. Since then, developer Curo has made significant progress, constructing 198 homes on the residential portion of the site.
The retailer, operating under T. J. Morris Ltd., applied in November 2024 for permission to build a nearly 1,800-square-meter Home Bargains store adjacent to Sainsbury’s, with access from Oakley Way. Despite concerns over increased traffic congestion on nearby roads voiced by local residents and councillors, the council approved the plans.
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The commercial development is included in the council’s Local Plan Part II, recently adopted in September following a judicial review process. Alongside the Home Bargains store, a neighboring unit intended for another food retailer is planned.
The site will feature 137 car parking spaces, including eight accessible bays, five parent and child spaces, and two electric vehicle charging points, along with ten cycle stands for customers and staff.
A spokesperson from Quod, representing Home Bargains, emphasized the retailer’s commitment: “Affordable access to quality, everyday products is crucial now more than ever amid rising living costs. The discount retail sector has grown rapidly as consumers seek quality and value.”
With the nearest Home Bargains currently located about eight miles away in Trowbridge, the new store will fill a significant local gap. The company anticipates creating over 100 full- and part-time jobs, primarily for local residents, with opportunities across various roles.
Local residents expressed concerns about potential traffic problems, particularly around the congested Sainsbury’s/McDonald’s roundabout, warning that heavy goods vehicle movements could exacerbate road safety issues. Councillors advocated for dedicated service roads to separate delivery vehicles from customer traffic to enhance safety.
Despite these concerns, the council’s planning committee approved the application unanimously, with one abstention, after a lively debate. Construction is expected to begin shortly after Christmas, with the store slated to open later in 2026.
Additional applications for the site are anticipated in 2026, including approval requests for the planned food retailer next door and potential developments to the north, such as a care home and two drive-thru outlets, promising further economic growth for the area.