Proposals
Why we need homes?
There is a recognised need for new, good quality homes in Frome and across Somerset, with many young people unable to remain in the town due to affordability issues. Indeed, due to spiralling costs of both rent and house prices, Frome Town Council has announced a ‘housing crisis’ in Frome.
A proper home is so important and without quality housing, people struggle to participate in society.
As stated by the National Housing Federation in 2023, “a decent, affordable home is as essential as having clean air to breathe, and should be a right for us all, wherever we live across the country. It is the foundation of our health, happiness and prosperity.”
Since 2006, only 1,968 new homes have been delivered in Frome, of which just 420 were affordable (23 affordable homes per year).
The extent of the issue from a local perspective is stark. In October 2024, there were some 700 households in Frome on the Homefinder Somerset waiting list, with 140 bids made on average per available property.
This site will deliver around 330 new homes, 30% of which will be affordable. Our proposals will therefore go a long way to alleviating some of this critical housing need within Frome.
Site Boundary
New Public Open Space
Indicative Residential Areas
Proposed Main Streets
Indicative Pedestrian / Cycle Paths
Indicative Tree Planting
Indicative Drainage Basins
Area for Community Facility
Surrounding Countryside
Neighbouring Urban Area
Frome Rugby Club
Existing Adjacent Trees
Key features
What we’re doing – at a glance
- Around 330 new homes for Somerset, including 30% affordable homes and a mix of different types and sizes.
- A country park to benefit new and existing residents as well as nature and diversity.
- A new community space to provide opportunity for people to socialise and interact.
- New green spaces for people and nature, enhancing biodiversity and giving the community direct access to nature.
- New walking and cycling routes connecting residents to local facilities in Frome and the surrounding area.
- Planting of street trees to complement the landscape and further support wellbeing and biodiversity.
The site
Site location
The site is next to the east of Oldford Hill, with Gypsy Lane bordering its southern edge. Located to the north east of Frome, it benefits from a number of shops and services close by and accessible by walking, cycling or bus.
Site masterplan
What’s planned?
- Green corridors along existing hedgerows creating green spaces for recreation, exercise and supporting drainage and local biodiversity.
- Pocket parks creating spaces for nature, play and relaxation.
- A countryside parkland area, providing a substantial amount of green open space for the whole community to enjoy.
- Wetland habitat at the lowest point of the site, including a potential boardwalk, to strengthen biodiversity.
- Green streets with tree planting and public spaces.
- A network of footpaths and cycle paths, improving sustainable connectivity and active travel to nearby communities.
- Proposals to divert the western extent of Gypsy Lane into the site, with connection to Oldford Hill provided by a new access junction serving the site.
Good accessibility to local services and facilities including Frome College, Little Oaks Day Nursery and Pre-School, Frome Rugby Club, Commerce Park employment area, sports pitches and Oldford.
Country park
Open green space to enhance community wellbeing and habitats for wildlife
As part of a sustainable neighbourhood, Oldford Hill would deliver substantial green space for a new countryside park. It could include space for seating and play, habitat for wildlife, outdoor exercise areas and public art.
A country park would also provide greater access to nature, supporting the health and wellbeing of residents and strengthening the biodiversity of the natural landscape.
We want to get this right so we’d like to hear what you think should occupy this space.
Community space
Creating spaces where local groups can come together
We’re exploring ideas for a new community space on the southern side of the site, located near to the rugby club and the existing community. This could take many forms. It could be a village green area and/or a new community hall.
We’d like to know what you think would benefit the local community and what you’d like to see in this space.
Sustainable infrastructure
Connections and infrastructure for a resilient community
Our investment is expected to deliver sustainable transport improvements supported by a strong green infrastructure network, local education and healthcare services as well as sewerage and drainage capacity. The plans would also provide a new off-road connection between Oldford and Frome.
Timeline
How will the project move forward?
Timeline is subject to change as the project progresses.
Autumn / winter 2024
Engagement on parameters and principles such as the number of homes, general location of housing, open space and access points.
Winter 2024
Public engagement with the wider community and stakeholders to understand what people think of the plans.
Spring 2025
Submission of an outline planning application to Somerset Council, capturing the parameters and principles.
2025
Determination of the outline planning application and, subject to this approval, what’s called a reserved matters application will be progressed.
2026
Construction begins on-site, with around 60 homes expected to be delivered per year.
2033
A new, sustainable neighbourhood at Oldford Hill is expected to be complete.