Planners to debate new business park
Frome could have a new business park on its outskirts if planners give the idea the green light.
The outline application is to build a small business park, consisting of six two-storey units for use as offices, research and development and light industry with associated landscaping and car and cycle parking at land at Marston Gate.
The land is situated to the rear of Sainsbury's and is about one-and-a-half hectares in size and is in the parish of Selwood.
The applicant, Somerset Agricultural Properties, submitted the plan in December 2011 and it has taken more than ten months to come before Mendip District Council's planning board meeting taking place on Wednesdayevening.
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In a public consultation 18 representations were received with 15 objections and three in support. Some of the concerns raised included noise impact, lighting nuisance, the loss of a 250-year-old oak tree, air pollution and that access to the site was on a dangerous road – Marston Road.
The three support letters said the additional parking would help Sainsbury's, that the park would be a welcome addition and that the district council should look for this type of inward investor and raise the profile of the area as a business location.
Selwood Parish Council decided not comment on the proposals but Frome Town Council objected, stating that the development should not be allowed as it is on a greenfield site and the loss of what it called a significant oak tree.
Frome Civic Society also objected and the Highways Authority initially objected but since it had entered into correspondence with the applicant's agent is now satisfied that the transport assessment is adequate.
The application will be heard from 6pm.
Comments
by janey
Sunday, November 04 2012, 8:52PM
“Quote:
'Highways Authority initially objected but since it had entered into correspondence with the applicant's agent is now satisfied that the transport assessment is adequate.'
I do not believe the Highways Authority have been to the site to see that the transport assessment is adequate The entrance to the site is in a 60mph speed limit and there are no plans to change this.
Marston Road is 60mph limit from the A361 roundabout until a few feet before the zebra crossing we have tried numerous times to have it changed due to the numerous accidents that have happened in the past BUT as nobody has been killed the authorities say it is safe!
Turning into Marton Lane from Marston Road is very dangerous, the entrance to the site would be worse.
There is no need for a new business park. It would not help parking at Sainsburys and I believe they have actually lodged a complaint.”
by darzo
Friday, November 02 2012, 7:58PM
“Also, it is NOT to the rear of Sainsburys as stated, it is alongside Sainsburys opposite The Masons Arms pub.”
by darzo
Friday, November 02 2012, 7:51PM
“I bet the three support letters don't even live near the area, I bet they wouldn't support it if it was??!!!
Why more offices in Frome? There are hundreds of square feet of empty offices in and around Frome so this is not needed.
Let's hope MDC have the sense to reject this.”