Somerset Council has officially initiated the process to sell the Saxonvale regeneration site in Frome on the open market. This move comes after the council’s executive committee agreed in January to sell the site to Mayday Saxonvale—a community-led initiative aimed at delivering affordable homes, commercial spaces, and leisure facilities. However, almost nine months later, Mayday Saxonvale has struggled to secure sufficient funding from its partners to complete the purchase.
Council leader Bill Revans explained the council’s difficult position, saying they were “between a hard place and many, many rocks.” Despite the decision to explore open market options, the council maintains ongoing discussions with Mayday Saxonvale. A final decision regarding the site’s future will be made at a public meeting in Frome after Christmas.
Supporters of Mayday Saxonvale emphasize the community-focused nature of the scheme. Tim Cutting, director of the Frome Area Community Land Trust, highlighted that much of the scheme’s profits would be reinvested locally and argued the Mayday project would reach construction more quickly than a commercial developer. Anita Collier, a Mayday Saxonvale board member, described the scheme as a unique opportunity to strengthen Frome’s community, warning that selling to the highest bidder could harm the town’s character.
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Paul Oster, director at Mayday Saxonvale, shared progress on securing investors aligned with their values, including positive talks with a social impact investor. Despite these developments, the council must weigh financial risks. It currently spends approximately £30,000 annually on security to protect the vacant site and faces potential liability to repay a £3.6 million Homes England grant if redevelopment deadlines are not met. The grant mandated swift development of at least 249 homes, with a quarter designated as affordable housing.
Council executives acknowledge Mayday Saxonvale’s effort and community support but stress the importance of financial certainty for public stewardship. After a thorough debate, the executive voted to open the site to market offers while staying open to viable proposals from Mayday Saxonvale. The marketing period is expected to last up to 12 weeks, culminating in a dedicated executive meeting in Frome around February to decide the site’s future.
Among councillors, opinions varied. Some expressed scepticism about Mayday Saxonvale’s financial viability and suggested alternative fundraising models like public subscription. Others emphasized the importance of showcasing financial prudence to central government to secure ongoing funding for local services.
In summary, while the council has started the sale process on the open market, the door remains open for Mayday Saxonvale to put forward a fully funded proposal. The council’s goal remains clear: to ensure a high-quality, community-benefiting development at Saxonvale that supports Frome’s future.