Studio Saar and Andrew Kirby Architects' plans for Saxonvale, Frome Source:&nbsp Hayes Davidson for Studio Saar.Somerset Council has boosted plans by two West Country practices for a major new neighbourhood in Frome by agreeing to sell a fought-over site to the social enterprise backing the scheme The local authoritys executive committee voted unanimously in favour of the deal with Mayday Saxonvale Development, which has consent for proposals drawn up by local firm Studio Saar and Totnes-based Andrew Kirby Architects. The scheme is being billed as the UKs first community-led masterplan at scale.The latest decision will see the long-derelict 5ha plot sold to the social enterprise by the end of March for an undisclosed fee.It comes six months after the council rejected a rival bid for the site from Mayday Saxonvale in favour of an offer from Acorn Property Group, which, unexpectedly, pulled out of the deal the next day. The BBC reported at the time that Acorn bosses said they were abandoning plans for the site because the local community [did] not wish to work with them.AdvertisementAcorn had previously won approval for plans to build 300 homes on the town-centre site in 2021, but that scheme came unstuck after a judicial review. A judge found Mendip District Council had not correctly followed its own planning policies by allowing fewer affordable homes and lower-than-acceptable employment space.Jonny Buckland part of the Mayday Saxonvale team and co-founder of Studio Saar, which has offices in Frome as well as Udaipur in India said he was overjoyed at the local authoritys latest decision.He said: Although some might see this as a leap of faith, we now have the chance to show how a community which knows what is best for its town can take ownership and co-design a 5ha brownfield site.The Mayday team has campaigned so hard and given so much time to secure this site and we are committed to ensuring the future needs of the town can be met as the scheme develops.The Studio Saar and Andrew Kirby scheme features 182 residences, including terraced family homes, so-called tiny homes and flats in distinctive residential neighbourhoods.AdvertisementPlans also include 11,000m2 of commercial workspace, as well as community-owned assets, including a hotel, studio space and lido.Leader of Somerset Council Bill Revans said the social enterprise convinced us that they have a business plan that will deliver for the people of Frome.He added: Its proposals are innovative and exciting and we look forward to seeing what happens next.Mayday Saxonvale is to enter a joint venture with sustainable developer Kiss House to purchase the plot and bring forward the scheme.The Reading firm will act as building and construction partner for the project, using innovative building systems and technologies, while London-based B Corp Stories will act as development manager.Mayday Saxonvale director Paul Oster hailed an exciting milestone for the scheme, saying: Kiss Houses expertise in sustainable development and commitment to low-carbon construction aligns perfectly with our vision. Together, we will create a model for sustainable, community-led development in the UK.Kiss House director Mike Jacob added: Our joint venture with Mayday Saxonvale will lead the way with a new approach to sustainable development at scale.This project will be the first of many by Kiss House to demonstrate what is possible in achieving low-carbon developments in the UK.Mendip District Council had previously approved Nash Partnership plans drawn up for Acorn but this decision was overturned at the judicial review.2025-01-28Greg Pitchercomment and share