A beloved green space in Frome could still be built upon after an appeal was lodged by a developer.

Packsaddle Fields has been in public ownership since 1973 and was originally earmarked for a new school.

Somerset County Council announced in March 2022 that it was planning to sell the land off, entering into an agreement with housing association LiveWest – who put forward plans for 74 homes and a children’s home on the site in March 2023.

Somerset Council’s planning committee east voted to refuse planning permission for the scheme on January 7, echoing locals’ desire to protect the landscape.

But amid locals’ efforts to buy the land from the council using the asset of community value bidding process, LiveWest has lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate in a bid to overturn this decision – with a public inquiry expected to be held in the summer.

The committee was originally due to vote on the proposed development in November 2024, but deferred a decision due to concerns about the amount of affordable housing and the lack of contributions to local schools.

LiveWest also committed to providing nearly £157,000 for local school places, along with more than £248,000 to upgrade the White Row and Beckington roundabouts between Frome and Bath.

Councillor Adam Boyden (whose Frome North division includes the site) argued in January that the town would suffer if such a cherished green space were taken away from local residents.

He said: “People have used the permissive paths and public right of way within the site and there is evidence of extensive public use. If this application is granted, we would lose something very special.”

Councillor Michael Dunk (Frome West) added at the time: “We haven’t covered ourselves in glory as a landowner. What we’re looking at here is a failed opportunity.

“It’s a disappointing application, with the loss of productive farmland and public amenity. The housing does not really fit in with the existing housing and would have an adverse effect on the character of the area.”

Frome is currently experiencing significant housing growth, with Wain Homes and David Wilson Homes both constructing developments on the B3092 The Mount (totalling 296 homes across three sites) and Curo building out the Keyford Meadows site on Sandys Hill Lane (comprising 198 homes and commercial units).

A spokesman for D2 Planning Ltd. (representing the applicant) said: “There is a substantial need for additional market and affordable housing in the former Mendip district, and in Frome; hence the provision of housing on the site should be given significant weight in this appeal.

“Frome is a highly sustainable location for growth, with a full range of facilities available in the town and with good connectivity by rail, bus and road to key nearby centres.”

The inquiry is expected to begin in Shepton Mallet on July 22 and last for four days – just one week before the inquiry into the planned Selwood Garden Community.

Visit www.acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk and quote case reference number 3363055 by May 12.