Saxonvale site in Frome - Civic Society analysis & objections

The mixed-use planning application for the semi-derelict Saxonvale site in Frome has been under discussion for several years. The application is still at outline stage & awaiting a view on the likely 'planning obligations', known as 'Section 106 agreements' from the Planning Authority, although discussions appear to have stalled. The prospective developers, Terramond, already own part of the site & the scheme they submitted is described here, with land ownership map shown here.

The Frome & District Civic Society made a number of objections and observations about the scheme which are mentioned below and you can download their full report here.

Their main comments were;

FROME CIVIC SOCIETY'S COMMENTS ON TERRAMOND'S PROPOSALS FOR SAXONVALE

Outline Planning Application Numbers: 120416/004 28 October 2009

This refers to the revised Outline Application plans registered on 16 September 2009.

                        

Introduction

Civic Society members have looked carefully at this application. The Society strongly supports the need for a mixed use development of Saxonvale and also supports Mendip District Council's adopted Planning Brief prepared by their consultants Gillespies, which sets out detailed quality guidelines for a good development of the area.

However, we OBJECT to:

Lack of adequate pedestrian improvements in the Gorehedge junction design.

Small size, overshadowing and lack of management of the Public Square     

Location of the main access road which constrains long term retail growth in Frome

Lack of sufficient retail and office floorspace                

Lack of a new pedestrian/cycle bridge over the River Frome        

Lack of energy saving targets and a detailed consideration of sustainability    

Proximity of extension of Notts Mill to a listed warehouse (Application 120416/002)

Lack of a stated long term commitment by Terramond to this project

We also have CONCERNS over a number of key issues:

A.   Need for improved Pedestrian Linkages from the Town Centre

B.   Curved Plot H and views of rear service yards of properties in Church Street/Kingsway

  (a)   Screening the rear service yards of properties in Church Street/Kingsway

  (b)   View of the Silk Mill from Kingsway and increased height of Plot H

  (c)   The height of Plot H and its relationship to St John's Church

C.    Windowless bulk of Office Plot R

D.    Lack of detail in the Riverside Park and lack of a Childrens Play Area (LEAP)

E.    Lack of sufficient floorspace for FETE (Frome Enterprise Training & Employment)

F.    Need for further improvements to the two Mills and Mill Square         (a)   Notts Industries Mill (Plot F, Mill Two-Building 2A)

(b)   Cooper Bussman Mill (Plot T, Mill One-Building 3A)

(c)   Lack of active frontages to 'Mill Square' (Warehouse Square)

G.   Need for further improvements to the housing provision

     (a)  Housing Types and the need for more 1 bed flats

     (b)  Lack of information on the distribution of Affordable Housing

H.   Need for further design improvements to the housing areas    

     (a)  Housing Layout: massing, height, overshadowing and overlooking

     (b)  Plot V and double deck car parking

     (c)  Lack of creating continuous street frontages as in 'Perimeter Blocks'

     (d)  Lack of adequate width for the 'Willows' linear park

     (e)  Fragmented frontage to west side of Linear Park

     (f)   Plots Q and J/K entrance archways and flats spanning across roads

     (g)  Plot O, and the former old orchard area

I.    Lack of Community Provision within the Section 106 agreement

J.   Off-Site Highway Works

K.  Paving to the Public Square and Mill Square

Despite these objections, you can see the Planning Officers report & recommendation for approval here.