Frome residents will find out in the new year whether locally-driven plans to regenerate the town centre will be taken forward by Somerset Council.

The Saxonvale site was the subject of two competing proposals for its regeneration – one from the Bristol-based Acorn Property Group, the other from the locally-based Mayday Saxonvale.

Following a six-hour meeting on July 31, Somerset Council’s executive committee announced it would be selling the site to Acorn – only for Acorn to drop out 24 hours later.

Mayday Saxonvale announced in early-August that it had opened talks with the council, stating that it was in a position to begin work on delivering the new development very soon.

Following “positive” discussions between the two parties, Somerset Council has confirmed its executive will meet in Frome on January 23 to make a final decision on the proposals.

The Mayday Saxonvale bid includes the following elements:

  • 263 homes, of which at least 30 per cent will be affordable (with a stretch target of 50 per cent)
  • At least 10,000 sq m of commercial and community space
  • A riverside park and children’s play area
  • Improved cycle links between the site and Vicarage Street
  • The realignment of the A362 Garsdale roundabout and £246,000 towards improving the Gorehedge junction
  • New public open spaces
  • A hotel and spa
  • A lido
  • Nearly £828,000 for improving local schools

Brief details about a special meeting of the executive committee recently appeared on the council’s official website – with officers confirming that this would be devoted to Saxonvale

A spokesman said: “We can confirm the special executive meeting scheduled for January 23 in Frome refers to the Saxonvale site.

“Agenda papers will be online for public examination by January 16.”

Mayday Saxonvale director Paul Oster said he welcomed the confirmation and hoped for “a positive outcome” for Frome in light of the constructive conversations which had taken place to date.

He said: “We have been continuing positive discussions with Somerset Council and have been informed of the upcoming extraordinary meeting of the council’s executive committee in Frome Town Hall on January 23 to discuss the sale of the Saxonvale site.

“We look forward to the meeting and a positive outcome. We are excited to commence development in Saxonvale and engage the community with this long-standing opportunity for our town.”

The executive meeting is expected to begin at 1pm on January 23 and will be live-streamed via Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend in person.