A cherished green space in Frome, known as Packsaddle Fields, has been saved from a proposed housing development following a public inquiry decision.
Packsaddle Fields, located on the northern edge of Frome, has been publicly owned since 1973 and was initially intended as the site for a new school. In March 2022, Somerset County Council announced plans to sell the land, entering into an agreement with housing association LiveWest. The developer submitted plans in March 2023 for 74 homes and a children’s home on the site.
However, the Somerset Council planning committee east, responsible for major applications in the former Mendip area, voted unanimously on January 7 to refuse planning permission—aligning with strong local opposition to the development and the desire to protect the green landscape.
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LiveWest appealed the decision in March, leading to a public inquiry in Shepton Mallet in mid-August, where the developer clashed with the council and the local advocacy group People for Packsaddle.
The Planning Inspectorate has now dismissed the appeal, ruling that the loss of this green space would be “substantial and harmful” to the well-being of Frome residents.
Of the proposed 74 homes, only 22 percent (16 homes) would have been affordable, falling short of the council’s 30 percent affordable housing target for developments of this size in the Mendip area. LiveWest also offered financial contributions toward local infrastructure, including nearly £157,000 for new school places and over £248,000 to improve the White Row and Beckington roundabouts between Frome and Bath.
Planning inspector Michael Chalk, who visited the site on August 14 and issued his ruling on September 29, emphasized that the proposed development “cannot provide an equivalent quantity of open space” and that losing “passive” access to Packsaddle Fields would be both substantial and harmful.
Mr. Chalk described the site as an “indentation” in Frome’s built-up area, lacking a purely urban or countryside character. He noted that replacing the open space with housing and infrastructure would drastically reduce the extent of accessible green space.
He acknowledged testimony from residents who value Packsaddle Fields as an attractive, peaceful, and accessible area for exercise, social connection, and enjoying nature. The space is widely used by people of all ages and regarded as safe and welcoming.
Although some parts of the site are overgrown and less accessible, the inspector noted that the proposed development would improve footpaths but ultimately result in a “very substantial reduction” in open space.
Mr. Chalk added that this reduction would diminish the sense of openness—a defining characteristic of the site—and limit the benefits of the planned community orchard.
He also concluded that the housing would cause “moderate harm” to the local area’s character due to its semi-rural setting. While recognizing the urgent need for affordable housing in the area, he stated that the recreational value of the green space to residents “significantly and demonstrably outweighs” the benefits of the housing project in this case.
The local group People for Packsaddle welcomed the decision, expressing their relief and gratitude on Facebook: “The planning inspector has agreed with Somerset Council’s decision to refuse the planning application on Packsaddle Community Fields. As you can imagine, we are over the moon and owe so many people and organisations the most enormous thanks. More to come from us soon – but tonight we celebrate.”