A PLAN to build 30 social houses in Frome has been withdrawn.

After feedback from residents and councillors, Mendip District Council (MDC) has decided to withdraw their Fair Homes Project.

The project was a partnership used to identify potential plots on MDC land in Frome that would be suitable for the homes.

It was launched by Frome Area Community Land Trust (FACLT), Selwood Housing Group and MDC.

READ MORE: Social housing plans in Frome thanks to Fair Homes Project

During MDC's consultation, although many people said they agree with the ambition to build social houses, they said the plots of land proposed were 'too precious' to be used for this purpose.

The plots of land that were being considered for development were:

  • Land at Farley Close
  • Land at Hodders Close
  • Hall behind 14 Randolph Road
  • Land at Austin Close and Feltham Drive
  • Land at Cranmore View and The Grove, including land either side of the B3090 Marston Road
  • Land at the corner of Mendip Drive and Selwood Crescent
  • Land at Grove Mead
  • Land adjoining 45 Mountsfield
  • Land at Tower View

A spokesperson for MDC said: "Our hope was to leave a lasting legacy of sustainable, high-quality homes offering fair rents for local people.

"If realised, the project would have also created jobs, improved skills and boosted the local economy.

"And it would have strengthened community resilience by enabling local people to continue living here.

"We know this announcement will be welcomed by some, but we are also mindful there are still more than 500 households looking to find affordable housing in the town, and that demand is likely to increase.

"FACLT, Selwood Housing Group and MDC will continue to seek to improve the supply of much-needed social housing for the people of Frome.

"In the coming weeks and months we will be calling on those who said they support this aim – including councillors, community groups, and members of the public – to join us in this effort."