Tesco Express in Stonebridge should reopen in December as a larger store and 4 flats (‘Acacia View’) above. I successfully argued for improvements to the planning application (2014/0970/FUL) to improve the design and lighting, and ensure no overall loss of parking spaces or trees, which will be replanted. New plans have been recently submitted for […]

One of my priorities, when I was elected to Mendip District Council in 2011, was to make the Council work better with local residents to improve open spaces for the whole community. For years, Mendip allowed Packsaddle park to run down without replacing play equipment, so I was inspired by the ‘community building’ work of the […]

Over the last four years there have been several major planning applications which I have got stuck into to help local residents get better development in this area. These include: Stonebridge shops and flats: Permission was granted by Mendip in January for the expansion of the shops at Forest Road, and for 3 new flats […]

As I promised, at Frome Town Council’s External Affairs Committee meeting last week I wrote a report and proposed that Frome Town Council apply to take over the ownership of both the park at Packsaddle Way/Pedlars Grove and the small games area at Chapmans Close, from Mendip District Council, so that FTC can improve these […]

I am keeping an eye on local planning matters in the area. 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 were consulted on up to mid-May. […]

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 […]

Packsaddle Community Tea Party I have been very pleased to help the Packsaddle Community Group organise the community tea party and consultation event at St Mary’s Hall on Saturday 15th March, by agreeing to help fund the event, and other community activities, out of my councillor allocation of Mendip District Council’s Community Environment Fund (part […]

An outline planning application has been submitted to Mendip District Council for the development of 107 new houses in a field on Cuckoo Hill, between Packsaddle Way, Innox Hill and Spring Gardens, and close to the River Frome downstream of the town. The submitted plans, reports and consultation comments, can all be found on Mendip […]

For years, Mendip District Council allowed Packsaddle Play Area to run down, so I have been inspired by the ‘community building’ work of the Packsaddle Community Group recently to improve the space for everyone, through events and parties, organised play sessions, and by finding out how you want to improve this community space for all. […]

Reasons to be cheerful… it’s soon #Frome SuperMarket, Artisan, Flea, Farmers & Peoples markets, Sunday 3rd Nov: http://www.fromesupermarket.co.uk/ What do you want to see happen in #Frome? Public consultation begins today on the draft Frome Neighbourhood Plan: http://www.frome-tc.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan/ ‘Participate #Frome‘ week, to encourage all to have their say and get involved in projects across Frome: http://www.frome-tc.gov.uk/participate-frome/ […]

Mendip’s revised Play Strategy was approved at Cabinet in August 2013. This aims to target available funding towards the district’s most popular playgrounds, by identifying ‘low-use’ playgrounds where equipment can be removed and which can be redesigned as open spaces. Mendip agreed to work with local community groups, town council, ward councillors and nearby residents […]

Somewhat disappointingly, I have just heard that work on Mendip District Council’s Play Strategy, which will decide how the council will invest in play areas across the district, and which sites it could be transferring to town councils, has been delayed again. This is because it has been decided there needs to be additional work on the audit of […]