THE Saxonvale site in Frome could be put up for sale – again – as funding for the key plot has not been forthcoming.

Somerset Council is reconsidering its position on the sale of the 12-acre site following a lack of proof of funding from the Mayday Saxonvale group, which was awarded the sale in January after developer Acorn withdrew from the purchase.

The community-based Mayday group proposed redeveloping the former industrial site to include housing, employment sites and potentially, a lido.

However, the group has so far failed to provide proof of funding, Somerset Council said, prompting the authority to call an Extraordinary Executive meeting at Frome Town Hall on October 24 to consider next steps.

The council said members would “consider alternative routes to dispose of the site” at the gathering.

Leader, Cllr Bill Revans (Lib Dem, North Petherton), said: “Discussions have been ongoing, and we have been supporting the purchaser to complete the sale and to deliver the much needed regeneration for the site.

“However, to date, the purchaser has not yet been able to provide tangible proof of funding.

“So here we are, many months on, and frustratingly for all concerned, there’s still no movement with regards the completion of the sale of this Frome site.”

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“It’s important the council facilitates the development of the Saxonvale site for the residents of Frome, and that we achieve good value for the benefit of the taxpayers of Somerset,” he added.

“We have a requirement to achieve a capital receipt from the sale, to support our council’s financial position, plus achieve the savings in revenue costs which are currently being incurred to secure the site. We must therefore move forward with the disposal of Saxonvale.”

After announcing Mayday as the intended purchaser, the council said it issued a draft contract of sale on February 28 ahead of a proposed completion by March 31.

However, no contracts have been exchanged due to the absence of funding, the authority said.

Earlier this month, Mayday Saxonvale appointed a new Non-Executive Board, including Mayor of Frome, Cllr Anita Collier, which it said would “help guide the next stage of Mayday Saxonvale and strengthen the project as we move through our next phase of funding”.

“This brilliant group of Frome residents brings expertise in finance, regeneration, sustainability, community engagement and local government, and a shared belief that Saxonvale should be developed for Frome, not just in Frome,” a spokesperson said.

“The Board’s role is to provide experience, oversight and confidence as we work to secure investment in what is a tough investment market.

“We are extremely grateful for the patience shown by you, our community, and by Somerset Council as we work through this next critical stage with care.

“Our goal hasn’t changed: to deliver a development that reflects the creativity, ambition, and values of our town, one that our whole community can be proud of.”

The new non-executive board of directors at Mayday Saxonvale, from left to right: Caroline Wajsblum, Brigid Clarke, Peter McGuinness, Anita Collier, Kerry Smith, Paul Oster, Ross Hughes, Hannah Stopford, Damon Moore. Picture: Mayday

However, Cllr Mike Rigby (Lib Dem, Lydeard), lead member for economic development planning and assets at Somerset Council, said the group could miss out on the site if funding was not forthcoming.

“We have given Mayday Saxonvale Development Ltd every opportunity to provide tangible proof of funds and present a meaningful timeframe,” he said.

“Neither have materialised, despite several meetings and many promises – going back to July 2024.

“Somerset Council and the Frome community want to see this site in the heart of the town developed. The Council has no choice but to revisit its options.

“We note Mayday Saxonvale Development Ltd has just appointed a new Board of Directors. We would not be looking to exclude them from any future conversations.

“They would, however, lose their exclusivity status regarding this site should Executive Members be minded to vote to consider alternative routes to disposal on October 24.”

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