Progress and Timeline

Acorn are focusing on finalising the reserved matters application for the mixed-use development. Keen to create a new sense of place as early as possible, the first phase will prioritise the public open space, park facilities, footpaths and footbridge to connect with Rodden Meadow.

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The S106 has been signed (contract between the developer and Local Authority that enables outline planning permission to be officially issued to Acorn) securing more than £2m contributions for the local community that will include:

• 72 affordable homes

• £1.1m for the improvement of local education provision including additional school places, improving early years education facilities and First School Education

• Design and install new footbridge to Willow Vale

• Provision of riverside park/public realm to include a Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP)

• £750K for much needed highway improvements to Gorehedge and Garsdale Roundabout

Following extensive consultations, planning permission has now been granted with outline plans approved to transform this 10-acre brownfield site into a sustainable new neighbourhood of 300 new homes of which 72 will be affordable, along with 45,000 sq ft of commercial space.

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While the outline planning approval sets out a minimum of 45,000 sq ft, our approved parameter plan demonstrates opportunity and flexibility to provide significantly more as the demand is realised. At a time when high streets up and down the country are contracting, it is not in Frome’s interest to deliver empty commercial property.

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It is a well-considered scheme and was highly praised by the independent design review panel before it received planning approval

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Balfour Beatty have been engaged by Mendip District Council to carry out limited enabling works to pave the way for development to commence.

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We hope that the judicial review can conclude swiftly, and we can move on with securing employment and homes to Frome.

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The former industrial site has laid empty for over a decade, becoming a vacant eye sore for Frome Town. Following the purchase of the site by Mendip District Council and subsequent partnership with Acorn Property Group, the exciting redevelopment of this long-derelict site will bring a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood to life along the banks of the river Frome.