The Southern edge of Frome is poised for significant transformation as the Selwood Garden Community (SGC) — a planned development of 1,700 new homes — has been officially put up for sale. The expansive site, currently agricultural land, lies between the B3090 Marston Lane and the A361, promising a vibrant new neighbourhood complete with commercial spaces, two care homes, a local centre featuring shops and potentially a medical centre, a primary school, as well as public parks and sports facilities.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed MP approved the development plans in April, following a public inquiry held in Shepton Mallet in August after calling in the decision earlier in February 2025.
The land is now listed for sale by Cooper and Tanner, who have invited bids from interested parties by September 16. The company highlights this as “a rare opportunity to deliver one of the largest consented garden communities in the South West — on the edge of one of Somerset’s most desirable market towns.”
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Of the total 1,700 homes proposed, 30% will be affordable housing, equating to approximately 510 units. These will include a mix of social rented homes, shared ownership options, and other low-cost housing solutions.
Infrastructure improvements are also planned, including upgrades to the Beckington and White Post roundabouts, which are essential links to nearby villages and key cities such as Bath and Trowbridge.
While only a portion of the SGC land was earmarked for housing in the recently updated Mendip Local Plan Part II, numerous other developments, such as Keyford Meadows and sites along The Mount, are currently underway on Frome’s southern outskirts.
Cooper and Tanner, based in Frome town centre, emphasize the project’s appeal to house-builders, investors, and development partners. Bids can be submitted for the entire site or divided into three sections: residential, employment land, and the care home gateway building. Joint bids are welcome, although further subdivision of the property is unlikely.
The site’s brochure notes: “The community promises a phased deliverable scheme, supported by designated access points and timely infrastructure triggers including employment, social amenities, and drainage management.” The land predominantly consists of agricultural fields divided by established hedgerows and dotted with small woodlands and scattered properties.
The sale process will be competitive, involving an initial round of bids by mid-September, followed by interviews in late October for shortlisted parties.
The successful bidder will be required to submit detailed reserved matters plans for the first phase of development by spring 2027. Given the project’s scale, these plans are expected to be reviewed and approved by the council’s planning committee east before construction can begin. Some preliminary works, such as vegetation clearance, may commence ahead of final approvals.