Skip to content

Social enterprise can now buy derelict Frome site

Michelle Ruminski & Clara Bullock
BBC News, Somerset
BBC Paul Oster, director of Mayday Saxonvale, is standing in front of derelict buildings on the Saxonvale site. He has short hair and is wearing a green fleece.BBC
Mayday Saxonvale, run by Paul Oster, plans to build more than 260 homes on the site

Somerset Council has unanimously agreed to sell a derelict site to a social enterprise, paving the way for its redevelopment.

The 12-acre Saxonvale site in Frome has been empty for decades, but a plan for more than 260 homes and a commercial space can now be taken forward by social enterprise Mayday Saxonvale.

The cost is being kept under wraps, but the authority is expected to use the proceeds to help plug its financial deficit.

Council leader Bill Revans said: "We believe we got good value for the asset for the residents of Somerset."

Studio Saar A computer generated image of how the new homes at Saxonvale could look. The image shows a group of people young and old tending to an allotment with new buildings behind them. Studio Saar
Mayday Saxonvale say the project will be the UK's first "community-led masterplan"

Paul Oster, director of Mayday Saxonvale, said the community "won" in the end.

"Its a bit unreal, I've spent four years imagining this moment in the distance and now here we are.

"I'm just delighted. We need to close the deal and then we're eager to get going."

The group has until the end of March to buy the site from the local authority.

It says it will deliver the "biggest community-led development in the UK".

Frome resident Bridget Clark is standing in a room in a red shirt. She is smiling at the camera. Behind her are chairs and people talking in groups.
Bridget Clark said she is "excited" about the council's decision

This includes more than 260 homes, of which the group says at least 30% will be affordable.

There will also be employment space and community assets, which include a lido.

Any profits made from the scheme will go back into the community.

Mr Revans said: "I'm absolutely confident that they will deliver an excellent programme here.

"It's not an easy site to develop and we look forward to seeing everything Mayday have planned to be enjoyed by residents here."

Brigid Clark, 63, a Frome resident, said she's "so excited" about the council's "brilliant decision".

"It's huge for Frome. I have grandchildren here and I'm excited to see the project.

"I hope it can be rolled out to other towns and other parts of the country."

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

More on this story
Related Internet Links