A HOUSEBUILDER has been given the green light for a new energy efficient housing development in Keyford that will create a new gateway to Frome.

Barratt David Wilson Homes South West has received planning approval from Somerset Council for a new 118-home scheme on Frome’s southern edge at Francis Fields development.

The project will include two-, three-, and four-bedroom properties.

They will comply with Part L standards to allow homeowners to potentially make substantial cost savings on their energy bills.

All homes will feature solar panels and there will be electric vehicle charging provisions at the development.

The development is one of three sites allocated for new homes in the local authority’s emerging Local Plan.

Construction at the site is expected to start this autumn.

It’s due to launch early next year with first occupations in spring 2025.

In addition to the provision of 30 per cent affordable housing at Francis Fields, Barratt David Wilson Homes South West will also contribute more than £1.6m to local education facilities, off-site highways works and measures such as a travel plan to help new residents get around sustainably.

The development is named after local man, Jonathan Alexander Francis, known as Alex, who died in 2022 after a three-year battle with ALS, a form of Motor Neurone Disease.

The developer will make a donation to MND Association in his memory.

Louise Ware, sales director for Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, said: “We’re incredibly pleased to have secured planning approval for our new Francis Fields development.

“Properties will be constructed with a strong emphasis on design and sustainability with features to minimise environmental impact and help homeowners save on energy bills.

“Additionally, the latest water and energy-saving appliances in kitchens and bathrooms are expected to reduce consumption by up to 26 per cent per day per person.”

The housebuilder worked closely with the local community and local authorities to ensure this new community is sustainable, ecologically sensitive and carefully designed to complement and reflect the local area and the historic town of Frome.

As such, designs will reflect the character of the area and will include a range of materials including reconstituted stone and dressed stone windows and door surrounds that are in keeping with surrounding properties.

Francis Fields will include a range of measures to enhance biodiversity and protect local wildlife, which includes some of the UK’s rarest bat species.

Existing hedgerows will be preserved wherever possible as commuting routes for wildlife.

Other enhancements include bat boxes and swift bricks, hedgehog highways and a sensitive management regime for the open spaces and orchard planting for residents.

Potential buyers can register their interest at https://www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/dev002695-francis-fields/