Plans for 1,700 homes approved after public inquiry

A development of 1,700 homes has been approved by the government, despite concerns over its environmental impact.

Land owners had submitted plans to create the Selwood Garden Community on the edge of Frome, Somerset, including a primary school, sports facilities and two care homes.

Residents had raised concerns about the potential impact on the environment and pressure on local services. However, the applicant said the project would provide much-needed infrastructure and jobs.

The government has now approved the plans after a public inquiry.

Somerset Council was going to discuss the proposal, but the application was instead called in by the government, meaning it took over the decision-making process from the council.

During the public inquiry, planning inspector Stephen Normington heard from local and professional witnesses and undertook a site visit before deciding on the plans.

Campaigners Stop Selwood Garden Community previously said the town did not have the infrastructure to cope with more traffic.

Matthew Kendrick, managing director of Grassroots Planning, representing the owners of the land, said: "We're very happy that the inspector endorsed our position that the benefits of the scheme are not outweighed by the adverse effects.

"I think he [the inspector] could see the substantial benefits of the scheme, the area hasn't delivered enough housing in a long time.

"We took on board the community's comments. There's a lot of very detailed plans for the site."

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