SIX hours of deliberation over the future of the Saxonvale site in Frome has ended in property firm Acorn being selected as the preferred developer.

UPDATE: Acorn Property Group WITHDRAWS from Saxonvale process in shock move – just a day after being picked by Somerset Council

Somerset Council owns the derelict former industrial site, having bought three parcels of land in the town in August 2018.

Stretching over some 12 acres, Saxonvale has been derelict for many years, complete with a range of buildings in disrepair.

That year, Mendip District Council entered into an agreement with the Acorn Property Group, which would see the firm develop the site within a certain time period.

However, plans stalled, and the newly-created Somerset Council decided to seek fresh offers for the scheme from Acorn, as well as the not-for-profit social enterprise, Mayday Saxonvale Development Ltd.

Both submitted bids for the site, including employment, leisure and housing plans.

And on Wednesday, after hours of deliberations, the Executive selected Acorn as the ‘preferred bidder’.

A council spokesperson said the decision was made after “taking independent expert advice, on viability, deliverability, and their legal obligations to seek best value for the taxpayer”.

“Further due diligence will now be undertaken as the council moves towards the next steps and a public commitment has been made by the Leader of the council, Cllr Bill Revans (Lib Dem, North Petherton), that local members will be kept informed of matters.”

However, the decision has been met with dismay by many in Frome, who backed the community-led Mayday bid.

Responding to the decision, the Mayday group said the council had chosen “profit over people”.

“Our council did not appear to consider our vision,” a spokesperson said. “They did not consider the value we could bring our town for generations to come.

“Our council wanted a spade in the ground as soon as possible. Even though Acorn have not managed that in six years.

“Our council said they wanted to vote for us, but they weren’t brave enough. They chose profit over people.
“If they can’t stand up for our community of Frome, then who can they stand up for?”

Shane Collins, the Green Party councillor for Frome East, said it was “an appalling decision”.

“The Mayday Saxonvale scheme is a not-for-profit, community-led scheme aligned with our town’s values,” he added.

“Acorn have not shown the integrity required to take such an important part of our town’s future.

“This is a sad day for Frome.”

Fellow Somerset Councillor, Martin Dimery (Green, Frome West), added: “I am deeply disappointed by the decision by Somerset’s Executive to sell Saxonvale to Acorn.

“The Mayday development had such vision and would have been a lasting legacy for Frome. The end of a long campaign by the Green councillors and Independents for Frome.”