A GREEN space in Frome has been fenced off – as a dispute over planning for new homes continues.

Developer LiveWest wants to build around 70 homes on Packsaddle fields, which was sold by Somerset Council on the condition the sale would progress only if planning permission was granted for the development.

However, initial plans for the scheme were refused, and a later appeal by the firm dismissed, on the grounds it would remove a public open space.

Now though, LiveWest has appealed that decision, and Somerset Council has now fenced off the site from the public in a move designed to “assist the developer in obtaining planning permission”.

In November last year, the council announced it was cordoning off the site, having allowed a permissive footpath through the plot “as part of a casual arrangement which was always subject to change should the site be disposed of”.

Now, it is implementing such a change, with LiveWest hoping to build around 74 homes on the site, which the council said had been earmarked for development for more than 50 years.

The council said it faced legal action from the developer should it not take the steps.

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Lead member for economic development, planning and assets, Councillor Mike Rigby, said: “This is not an easy course of action for the council to take, we are fully aware of the value placed on the land by local people, but we must balance the wishes of local people against housing needs, and our contract with the developer

“We have to honour that agreement. Access across the land by the public has always been on a permissive basis, the land has been owned by the authority for over 50 years with the potential for development – the footpath is not a legal right of way, it is a permissive path, allowed until such time as when the land is developed.

“It’s clear that there is a compelling case for the developer to challenge the appeal and we have a legal duty to secure the land in support of the development proposals.

“We have to consider the needs of the wider county in terms of housing need and the potential cost to council tax payers – we cannot allow the Council to become involved in what would be costly legal action.”

But residents are outraged at the move, with campaign group People for Packsaddle urging the council to reconsider the “outrageous decision”.

They said the council’s decision “sets a dangerous precedent”.

“The council simply will not stand up to the developer on behalf of its constituents,” the groups said.

“This community, however, has stood up for itself before and we will continue to do so.

“Our community will not stand by, lie down, and let the bullies win.”

Somerset Councillor Martin Dimery (Green Party, Frome West) said an “iron curtain” had descended on the space.

“While Frome Town Council helps reclaim a woodland in one part of my neighbourhood, Somerset Council maliciously bans the public from another,” he added.

“Utterly shameful. Frome under the yoke of Taunton.”

A demonstration is planned against the move at the Leys Lane entrance to the field at 11am on Saturday (March 14).

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