Somerset Council has agreed to sell a 12-acre heritage site in Frome, to Mayday Saxonvale Development Ltd.
Members of the Executive Committee announced its decision at a special meeting held in Frome Town Hall on Thursday (23 January 2025).
More than 60 people attended in-person, with a further 120 joining online to witness proceedings.
During the three-and-a-half-hour session, Executive members reviewed options for the Frome site, and considered an updated proposal from Mayday Saxonvale Ltd.
The decision to sell was unanimous. It generates a capital receipt for Somerset Council, plus savings in revenue costs which are currently being incurred to secure the site.
This is an unconditional sale, which means the control and responsibility on how the brownfield site is developed passes to the developers.
The sale proceeds with a view to completion before 31 March 2025.
Leader of Somerset Council, Cllr Bill Revans, said:
The developers convinced us that they have a business plan that will deliver for the people of Frome. Their proposals are innovative and exciting, and we look forward to seeing what happens next.
It’s important that the Saxonvale site is developed well for Frome, and in taking this decision, we believe we’ve achieved good value for the people of Somerset too.
Chair of Frome Town Council’s Planning Committee, Cllr Steve Tanner, said:
This is a momentous day for Frome. I am absolutely delighted that what feels like a historic decision has been reached.
Frome Town Council has been steadfast in its support of this project, and I am particularly pleased to see Somerset Council make this important decision right here at Frome Town Hall. We will of course continue to work with Mayday through the planning process.
Ultimately this demonstrates exactly what local government should be – responsive, forward-thinking, and rooted in the communities it serves.
The decision comes after the withdrawal of a previous offer from Acorn Group in July 2024. Somerset Council has been in negotiations with Mayday Saxonvale Development Ltd since then.
Background papers can be found by visiting Somerset Council’s Agenda and decisions page for the Executive meeting.
