When fate of controversial homes plan will be shared

A decision on whether a controversial development of 1,700 homes can be built will be shared by 8 April, the planning inspectorate says.

Land owners want to create the Selwood Garden Community (SGC) on the edge of Frome, Somerset, near the A361. The proposals include the building of a primary school, sports facilities and two care homes.

Local residents previously raised concerns about potential impact on the environment and pressure on local services. The applicant said the project would provide much-needed infrastructure and jobs.

Planning inspector Stephen Normington confirmed the result of a public enquiry carried out in August would be published "on or before 8 April".

Somerset Council was due to discuss the proposal in February 2025 but the application was instead called in by central government - meaning it effectively took over decision-making from the council.

This then started the process of the public inquiry, during which Normington heard from local and professional witnesses and undertook a site visit, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Barristers representing the SGC's landowners said there was "a clear and pressing need" for local housing.

"Frome is rightly the main focus for growth in this part of the district. It is palpably far better than delivering housing at smaller settlements throughout the district, with poorer sustainability credentials," Paul Tucker KC said at the time.

But campaigners Stop Selwood Garden Community previously said the town did not have the infrastructure to cope with more traffic.

Normington has finished his report and the final decision will be published by Housing Secretary Steve Reed.

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