Nearly twenty new low-cost homes could be built on an underused car park near major Frome regeneration site.
The North Parade car park, located off North Hill Mews in Frome, was identified by Mendip District Council as a site for potential social housing in November 2020.
The council – and its unitary successor – have been working with the Stonewater housing association on proposals to build on the site, securing a land swap with the neighbouring Farleigh Further Education College in mid-2021.
Stonewater has now formally applied for permission to build 18 new low-cost homes on the car park – a project which could get under way before the end of the year if Somerset Council grants permission by late-summer.
The site lies to the north of the railway line running through Frome, within walking distances of both Rodden Meadow and the Saxonvale site – the latter of which is the subject of two conflicting proposals to redevelop the area.
The car park is currently accessed from a one-way system which links North Hill Mews to the B3090 Fromefield Road.
Under the proposals, the current exit road will be closed off to motor vehicles, with the entrance from North Hill Mews being widened with improved visibility.
The 18 properties will be divided between one-bedroom flats and two-bedroom houses – with each home being offered at social or affordable rent.
A total of 38 parking spaces will be kept from the existing car park, including two disabled spaces, with 28 new cycle places being created alongside.
A spokesman for Agile Planning (representing the developer) said: “The proposal ensures the retention and enhancement of existing trees on site.
“It complements the surrounding heritage assets, enhances access to and from Millennium Green, and improves access and road safety.
“It maintains some public parking spaces on site, sufficient to meet demand, and it provides sufficient parking spaces (all with EV charging) for residents, given proximity of proposed homes to the town centre.
“The proposal will provide future residents with high-quality homes with a high level of amenity, providing quiet, healthy, safe places to live.”
Stonewater was granted permission in January to build 24 homes on vacant council-owned land on Cherry Grove at the southern edge of Frome, near the Marston Trading Estate.
Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the North Parade plans by the end of the summer.
LDRS, Daniel Mumby