NEARLY 200 homes could be built near Frome’s McDonald’s restaurant under amended plans.

Silverwood (Ditcheat) Ltd. was awarded planning permission in July 2020 to build 235 homes and new commercial units either side of Sandys Hill Lane, not far from the town’s Sainsbury’s supermarket.

Revised plans for the site have now been put forward by housing association Curo, reducing the number of homes and retaining some of the heritage assets at the eastern end of the site.

Mendip District Council is expected to make a decision on the plans later this year, with Curo promising the entire site could be built out by 2027.

As with the original plans, the new homes will be split either side of Sandys Hill Lane, with a new access road being created.

However, the number of homes on the site has been reduced from 235 to 198, ranging in size from from one-bedroom flats to five-bedroom houses to reflect local demand.

Of these, 59 homes will be affordable – meeting the council’s 30 per cent target for large new developments – with 47 of these properties being social rent.

In addition to fewer homes, Curo will retain the Keyford Farmhouse and converted barn which were scheduled to be demolished, responding to local residents’ concerns when the outline plans were approved.

Large areas of wildlife habitat and open space, including two play areas, will also be included.

Somerset County Gazette: Sandy\'s Hill Lane In Frome, Near The Town\\\'S Mcdonalds Restaurant. CREDIT: Daniel Mumby. Free to use for all BBC wire partners.

Curo chief executive Victor da Cunha said: “We listened to the community, who wanted us to keep the farmhouse and we designed a scheme that protects these buildings for the future.

“We worked with the council’s officers through the pre-application process to refine our proposals, and we believe the current plans could deliver much-needed homes in an attractive new neighbourhood that’s respectful of the local character.

“We’re hoping these homes will help more local people and families who feel they’ve been priced out of the housing market in Frome to stay in or return to the town they love.

“Our homes for social rent will give many families on the council’s housing list the opportunity to live in a high-quality, affordable home, while the shared ownership scheme will help young first-time buyers to make that all-important but difficult first step on the property ladder.”

Proposals for the commercial units elsewhere on the Sandys Hill Lane site will be put forward by a different developer under a separate planning application.

Mendip District Council is expected to make a decision on the Sandys Hill Lane plans before the end of the year.

If approval is granted, Curo intends to begin construction in 2022, with the site being built out over a five-year period.

The council’s planning board voted in late-July to delay a decision on plans for more than 300 new homes in the adjoining Little Keyford area of Frome for up to six months after concerns were raised about the “inadequate” master-plan linking the three neighbouring sites together.

A further 1,700 homes could be delivered between Little Keyford and the A361 if the vision for the Selwood garden community is approved.