SOCIAL housing plans for 77 homes in Easthill, Frome, are currently “on pause”, so the environmental and ecological issues surrounding the site can be reviewed.

At a meeting of Mendip District Council’s (MDC) Cabinet last night (November 26), a decision was made to postpone the building of social housing on the site, after councillors and members of the public raised concerns about destroying this “precious green space”.

The scheme to provide 160 affordable houses across four council-owned sites was backed by members of MDC's Cabinet at a meeting on November 2.

The other sites considered are Cemetery Lane and Cranhill Road car park in Street and Norbins Road car park in Glastonbury.

But the council’s scrutiny board asked the cabinet to think again – with the chairman of scrutiny resigning in protest at the lack of transparency surrounding the decision.

READ MORE: Council asked to rethink social housing plans in Frome

The plan for this Open Area of Local Significance (OALS) site, with a wealth of endangered species and mature trees, has caused outrage among people in Frome.

Jackie Simpson, who lives in Frome, said: “We are annoyed about the environmental impact of this. We are concerned about the habits for the wildlife and the trees. We are concerned we are losing our wildlife.”

READ MORE: Easthill in Frome could become housing development

At the meeting on November 26, a member of the public said: “The entire field is alive with birds and I know that Easthill is full of insects and other food sources.

“There are bats hunting and foraging, hedgehogs come and go, there are hares, grass snakes and slow worms.

“All Easthill’s wildlife depends on the insects and food sources at the bottom of the food chain.

“Without the trees and grassland, there are no food sources for the wildlife, so where will they go once it is covered in tarmac, homes and bright lights?”

But cllr Simon Carswell, who supports the social housing developments, explained the wildlife will continue to be protected.

“Just because a site is developed does not mean trees and wildlife will be destroyed,” he said.

“They will continue to be protected and if necessary move to a nearby site.”

He explained he felt it was important to speak for the people who need social housing, and pointed out that the “current housing crisis will only get worse”.

“I wish to speak out for the people who need social housing,” he added.

“They do not have a voice tonight and I know I will not be popular for what I say.

“Nearly all the correspondence we have received from people, are from people of privilege. Their only recent experience of poor housing was when they took their second child to university.

“As to those who state they fully support social housing – whether that be the public or my fellow council colleagues – I would say no you do not. Because if you did, you would be fully supporting this proposal.”

Many councillors were upset about the proposed developments on the Easthill site, including cllr Eve Berry, who was “horrified” the decision was “rushed” through Cabinet earlier this month.

“How many of you have taken the time to visit the site yourselves?” she said.

“This site is a precious green space where nature does its work. A full comprehensive environmental report needed to be done and why was it not done?

“I am passionate about the site being preserved for future generations and wonder if you all realise that the impending throwaway of assets by this administration, particularly the Easthill site in Frome, will damage the reputation of this council beyond repair and make a mockery of their commitment to the climate emergency.

“I urge you to cancel the transfer of the Easthill land to the Aster group.”

Councillors were given the option to approve all the developments or agree to proceed with the transfer of Cemetery Lane Street, Cranhill Car Park Street (part only) and Norbins Road Car Park Glastonbury to Aster Housing Group, and pause the transfer of the Easthill site.

All nine councillors were in favour of the second option and so the Easthill housing decision will be postponed until the issues raised in the meeting have been reviewed.