The future of a major housing development in Frome hangs in the balance after councillors said they were “minded to refuse” proposals for 1,700 new homes.

Outline plans were submitted in August 2021 for the Selwood Garden Community (SGC), which would see green fields between the A361 and the southern edge of Frome transformed into a substantial new community, including new commercial space, a primary school and a riverside park.

Following numerous revisions in the intervening years, the plans came before Somerset Council’s planning committee for a final decision.

In addition to the new homes, the development will also include a local centre and community hub (including shops, restaurants and offices), more than 25,000 sq m of employment space, two residential care homes, a primary school, playing fields, allotments, orchards and new pedestrian and cycle routes.

Frome residents spoke against the plans when the planning committee east met in Shepton Mallet on Tuesday, December 3.

Mike Bull, from the Friends of the River Frome, said: “There is a very well-documented problem with combined sewage outflows releasing sewage into the river. This development must not make this bad situation worse.

“Foul water infrastructure improvements must be considered upfront and not through conditions. The conditions do not encourage a holistic approach – this is a recipe for disaster.”

Joe Hannam Maggs, from the Stop SGC campaign group, called for a public inquiry into the plans. He said: “Mendip has done pretty well at meeting its housing targets compared to other districts. Why are we even considering this site?”

Richard Swann, from the Frome and District Civic Society, said approving the plans would lead to disjointed development, referencing the housing developments currently being delivered in the Keyford area.

He said: “This will not deliver genuinely affordable homes at the urgent rate which is needed. Given Frome’s chronic employment deficit, the worst in the district, people will commute elsewhere. The proposal is unsound, unsustainable and harmful. We urge you to say ‘no’.”

Steve Tanner, Frome Town Council, said: “The developer should be paying the balance of what’s needed at the Gorehedge junction and provide enough funding to complete the Frome local cycling and walking infrastructure plan.”

Council members for Frome and the neighbouring villages also spoke against the plans.

Councillor Michael Dunk (Frome West) said: “This application involves 240 acres of farmland. There is no mitigation that I know of for the loss of this – this is the start of the countryside around Frome.”

Councillor Shane Collins (Frome East) added: “This proposal is the largest expansion of Frome since St. Aldhelm founded the town nearly 1,200 years ago.

“A 23 per cent population increase is going to lead to a squeeze on local doctors, dentists, roads and schools.”

The committee voted it was “minded to refuse” the plans, with reasons including the climate impact, the “disproportionate” level of growth and the impact on the town’s character. Reasons for refusal will now be formalised, with a further vote expected to be taken in early-February.

The Selwood Garden Consortium has been approached for comment.