PLANS for 325 homes on the edge of a Somerset town are set to be discussed at a meeting tonight (February 18).

Three planning applications have been submitted for developments south of Frome - and Frome Town Council (FTC) is set to have their say at the planning meeting this evening.

Two of the sites - one consisting of 131 homes (land south of Keyford Field) and one of 124 homes (Land east of The Mount) - are controlled by David Wilson Homes.

A third site is controlled by Wainhomes (land at Keyford Field).

Somerset County Gazette: Plan for The Mount and Little Keyford, Frome. Pic: Pegasus Group

There are objections to all planning applications, with many Frome residents concerned about the impact on the B3092, the loss of green space and the impact on local wildlife.

Somerset County Gazette: Plan for The Mount and Little Keyford, Frome. Land South of Keyford in Frome.Pic: Pegasus Group

One resident, commenting on the development South of Keyford Field, said: "We all need green space around us. Wildlife too. We regularly walk in this area and watch the bats.

"It is a quiet area of Frome making up lovely views and country side, do we need to rip up yet more green space for yet more cheap houses?

"It's devastating to the environment, creates excess noise and light pollution, not to mention the increased amount of traffic in these currently quiet areas. It seems very unfair on the nearby residents who must have chosen to live there, at least in part, due to the quiet situation.

"So many people are fed up of seeing our beloved countryside being ripped up and built on, forever changing the landscape and increasing our disconnection with the environment and nature."

According to the design and access statement for this particular site, the green spaces are an "integral" part of the development.

The application states: "The new green infrastructure has been a driving factor in the creation of new routes and spaces within the layout and the landscape helps to further define the public and private space whilst adding colour, water and seasonal interest to the residential environment."

Somerset County Gazette: Plan for The Mount and Little Keyford, Frome. Pic: Pegasus Group

There are more than 80 public comments on each planning application and the majority of residents are objecting to the plans.

Mendip District Council are currently consulting on these plans, but the consultation period for all sites is set to end in the next few weeks.

To view and comment on the planning applications visit the MDC website with reference 2020/0341/OTS (land South of Keyford Field), 2020/0451/FUL (land at Keyford Field) or 2019/3076/FUL (land east of The Mount).