I am keeping an eye on local planning matters in the area.

Mendip’s Local Plan has been examined by an inspector, who will report back soon on whether it is accepted.

Co-op at Fromefield: Revised plans for the proposed Co-op convenience store (ref 2013/1514) have been submitted which the developer hopes will overcome local objections on design and road safety. Please see here for the revised plans, which are being consulted on up to Thursday 15th May. A report from the planning officer is expected by the end of May. Currently 12 residents have objected, including on traffic, highway and pedestrian safety (including a local highways consultant), as well as design and historic conservation issues and hours of opening, and 2 residents have written to support the proposals. Please see here for previous news.

Packsaddle Way / Innox Hill: Proposals to develop 107 new homes at the end of Packsaddle Way in open countryside  (ref 2013/2608) met with over 130 objections from residents, including me, as well as the Environment Agency, Frome Town Council and Mendip’s housing development officer, after a spirited campaign by local residents. As a result, the developer has amended the flood risk assessment, commissioned a report to assess the landscape and visual impacts, and revised the masterplan to fit in a drainage attenuation pond. Mendip planners are also getting a second opinion on the viability of development, as the developer has tried to justify not providing any ‘affordable housing’ here. A report from the planning officer is expected to take some time. Please see here for the new documents. I asked Mendip to ensure that the new plans will be subject to consultation with local residents. Please see here for previous news including my letter of objection.

Bath Road Heights: Latona Leisure have withdrawn their plans to develop the rest of the old Mendip Lodge Hotel site at Bath Road Heights for 14 houses (ref 2013/1889), but are expected to come back with revised plans soon, and I am asking for a new pedestrian crossing here.

Commerce Park: A new 11m high industrial building for the production of printing inks has been proposed by Mirage Inks (who would move here from Radstock) at Area J5, Imperial Way, Commerce Park (ref. 2013/2591/FUL). Please see here for the documents. This planning application will be decided at Mendip’s Planning Board meeting on 28th May. The officer’s report (here) discusses noise and travel impacts, with comments from MDC Environmental Protection, (and none from residents) and recommends permission is granted.

Please get in touch if you have any issues to raise with these.