A REVISED planning application for permission to build up to 1,700 new homes on the edge of Frome has been submitted.

The scheme, by Grass Roots Planning Ltd on behalf of Land Value Alliances and Landowners Consortium, would see a development called the Selwood Garden Community built on land south of Frome, off Marston Road.

Plans for the scheme were originally submitted in 2021, but have now been updated, to address “a range of comments that have been made by statutory consultees and the council”.

An outlines application, the plans do not include full details, but do outline an intention to build up to 1,700 homes, including an allocation of affordable dwellings, as well as a primary school, two care homes, shops and cafes.

Click here to open the Selwood Garden Community masterplan in a new window

The application outlines: “The vision is to deliver an innovative and sustainable community integrated with both the town and the countryside.

“Providing intimate neighbourhoods, community facilities and employment spaces set in the distinctive countryside of the River Frome Valley; it will help Frome’s wider transition to a low-carbon economy and will help enable the One Planet Living Agenda to be put into practice.”

It said privately-owned agricultural land would be transformed into community meadows, orchards, parks and allotments, alongside a “network of footpaths and cycleways” and employment premises.

Of the 1,700 homes, the application said 30% would be affordable – around 510 homes. In total, 67% would be for social rent (1,139), 25% first homes (425) and 8% shared ownership (136).

The proposal indicates a split of 29 two-bed flats, 298 two-bed houses, 599 three-bed houses, 159 four-bed houses, 17 five-bed houses and 88 self-build plots.

An illustration of how the community hub/local centre could look. Picture: Grass Roots Planning Ltd/Somerset Council

“This housing mix is illustrative and may change, however it gives a general direction to future developers and will not be changed significantly unless updated housing evidence such as a new Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) or commercial assessment identifies that an alternative approach should be considered,” the application said.

Meanwhile, two care homes would provide up to 105 beds, with a first school providing two-form entry and a nursery.

Restaurants and cafes, as well as a convenience store and takeaways would also be developed on the site, as well as a dentist and premises for businesses.

A previous application prompted hundreds of comments from residents, but the amended plans are now set to be considered by Somerset Council.