A significant portion of Packsaddle Fields, a cherished green space on the northern edge of Frome, faces the possibility of being fenced off from the public amid a contentious legal dispute. Owned by the public since 1973 and once intended as a site for a new school, the land now sits at the center of a debate over its future.
In March 2022, Somerset County Council announced plans to sell the land, entering an agreement with housing association LiveWest. The developer proposed building 74 homes along with a children’s home in March 2023. However, Somerset Council’s planning committee refused permission for the development in January, a decision upheld after a public inquiry by the Planning Inspectorate in August.
Despite this, the council is considering restricting access to key footpaths traversing the site. This includes closing a permissive path running south to north and fencing off a public footpath in the northeast corner. These actions could effectively block off large parts of Packsaddle Fields from local residents.
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LiveWest has initiated a legal challenge aiming to overturn the inspector’s ruling, potentially reopening the door for residential development. Under the terms of the council’s agreement with LiveWest, the authority is required to “use reasonable endeavours” to help the developer obtain planning permission and support any appeals or legal challenges.
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning, and assets, acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation: “This is not an easy course of action for us to take, as we recognize the value placed on the land by local people. However, we must balance community wishes with housing needs and honor our contract.”
He emphasized that public access has always been permissive, not a legal right, and that the council must act to support the potential development while avoiding costly legal repercussions.
Opposition has been vocal. The grassroots group People for Packsaddle condemned the council’s proposed actions as “shameful” and “cruel,” accusing it of siding with developer demands over the community’s well-being and the Planning Inspectorate’s decision.
The Government Legal Department (GLD) responded strongly to LiveWest’s legal challenge, describing the claim as “unarguable” and stating the Secretary of State would contest the case and seek costs if proceedings are initiated.
Following this, Councillor Rigby has temporarily halted plans to fence off the paths, pending further legal review—a move welcomed by Councillor Adam Boyden, who represents the local area. Boyden expressed relief at the pause and pledged to work towards a favorable outcome for residents.
People for Packsaddle has invited Councillor Rigby to visit the site and meet community members, hoping to persuade the council to reconsider its stance. The group stresses the fields’ vital role in supporting local mental and physical health and fostering community connection.
As this legal and planning drama unfolds, the future of Packsaddle Fields hangs in the balance—between housing development ambitions and preserving a treasured green space for public enjoyment.