Decision on 1,700 homes to go to public inquiry

The future of a proposed 'garden community' in Somerset containing 1,700 homes, a school and two care homes will be decided by the government.

Land Value Alliances wants to build the Selwood Garden Community between the A361 and the southern edge of Frome.

Somerset Council was due to discuss the proposal at a meeting on Tuesday but the application was instead called in by central government.

This means the final decision will instead be made by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner following a public inquiry.

The plans, which include two residential care homes, a community hub, and a primary school for 420 pupils, were recommended for approval by council officers.

However, in December the council's planning committee said it was "minded to refuse" permission.

The plans have been met with opposition from local residents, with some arguing there are "massive environmental concerns" with the site and that development will "add pressure to " on local services.

The applicant's design and access statement said: "The proposals put forward a 'comprehensive plan' for south Frome without which there will likely be continued piecemeal development which fails to deliver much-needed infrastructure and local employment in a well integrated and phased way."

Of the 1,700 homes proposed for the site, 30% would be affordable the applicant says - the equivalent of 510 homes which would be a mixture of social rented, shared ownership and other low-cost options.

In a council meeting on Tuesday, senior planning officer Simon Trafford said the authority expects to receive a letter from the Planning Inspectorate revealing the date for the inquiry.

It is not known why the application has been called in, but generally the process is begun if an application has national significance or conflicts with national policy.

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