Group set up to save River Frome pathway from developers

The Save Wallbridge Adderwell Path (SWAP) group was set up to oppose plans by a developer to build on the land near the river.

There is a dispute as to whether the pathway is a public right of way – and so SWAP have applied to Somerset County Council to officially register the path as a public right of way, to ensure that the it will remain accessible if the planning application is granted.

The planning application for four houses with a separate employment building at The Retreat was submitted by Family Sutton Solutions (FSS).

This Devon-based architect and his family have said they are “working with ecologists and landscapers to enhance and preserve the natural character” of the land.

“We are also investigating the possibility of providing a footpath with access to the river with an additional piece of land,” a spokesperson for FSS said.

“When these outline plans have been developed further, and after the current planning application has been favourably determined, we have made a commitment to discuss these proposals with Frome Town council and other interested parties, hopefully in a friendly and cooperative way.

“We have previously discussed draft plans with the Retreat community and had kept them fully informed of developments.

"We had already informally offered a piece of riverside land to this community which they unexpectedly advised they do not want.”

The SWAP group now has nearly 1000 supporters on their Facebook page and many have submitted numerous objections on the application.

They want to ensure the pathway is not closed to the public and they are “not confident” it would remain open if planning permission for the houses is granted by Mendip District Council.

Chloe Jones, creative director of SWAP, said the path is a place she can find “stillness and connection in a busy world”.

“It is a place where I can breathe, reduce my anxiety and be at one with nature which is so important in the current global situation,” she added.

“It is also a place where I can go with my son to relax, have fun and learn about the world around him.

“Especially in these times of lockdown and restriction, the pathway has acted as a lifeline for many who have needed to get out and exercise close to home.

“The pathway and river host a spectacular array of wildlife and valuable ecosystems which would be put under threat if the pathway was closed and building works commence. Otters, kingfishers, a host of different fish species, swans, rabbits are just a handful of the creatures that have been spotted down there.

“I also strongly believe that too much of our land has been taken from the public for private use and we really need to stand up and ensure that nature remains accessible for all and not just the few.

“The river pathway represents Frome's history and also it's future. It would be an absolute tragedy to many people were it to be lost.”

The SWAP group was originally set up in 2018 when the first planning application was made that could have restricted the pathway.

The land then changed hands and the new developers submit their own planning application – and so the campaign was re-launched in April 2020.

“We are very sorry this application has caused some controversy,” added the spokesperson for FSS.

“All the advice from our ecologists, planning, highways and waterway consultants, has been adhered to, both with the formulation of the current application proposal and with the preliminary site clearance which has been carried out in accordance with applicable legislation and planning conditions imposed by the council.

“We hope that these facts will go some way in addressing the mis-information that has been made against both ourselves, this application and the site.”

To sign the petition visit swap-frome.org.uk.

The planning application is set to be discussed by Mendip District Council next month.