CLEARANCE work is set to start at a site earmarked for 300 homes in Somerset.

The work to clear the Saxonvale site in Frome is being funded by a £4million grant from Homes England, which was given earlier this year.

READ MORE: Work to start on Saxonvale site in Frome after £4M in grants confirmed

Mendip District Council (MDC) has signed a delivery agreement with contractors Balfour Beatty to begin a schedule of works late in the summer.

The contractors currently have operational control of the site, which is closed to the public due to strict safety measures.

Somerset County Gazette: Saxonvale today – an old manufacturing site, dangerous and decaying, ripe for development

Paul South, pre-construction manager at Balfour Beatty, said: “Through the SCAPE Civil Engineering Framework, we are delighted to be working alongside MDC on these essential clearance works.

“We look forward to building on our long-standing relationship with the council whilst also benefitting the community in Frome, providing numerous local employment and supply chain opportunities.”

Hazardous materials will be removed from the site. And there will be service disconnections to buildings, the clearance of vegetation and demolition of dangerous and derelict concrete structures.

Saxonvale, which is set to include 300 homes and commercial units, was granted outline planning permission in January 2021.

Somerset County Gazette: CGI image of how the Saxonvale neighbourhood could look

Acorn Property Group are the appointed developers for the site.

READ MORE: Plans for Saxonvale site in Frome approved at council meeting

Robin Squire, managing director of Acorn’s Bristol Region, said: “The appointment of Balfour Beatty to commence enabling works marks an important milestone at the start of this exciting regeneration project and the very beginning of delivering this important town centre site for Frome.

“We are looking forward to transforming Saxonvale from a derelict site into a vibrant new sustainable neighbourhood and a destination that Frome can be proud of.”

MDC's deputy leader and portfolio holder for enterprise and finance, Barry O'Leary, added: “This will be great news for the people of Frome, the district, the economy and environment. Instead of a stalled site, we will have sustainability and bloom.

“I believe this town centre development, located on the banks of the River Frome, is the most exciting and innovative to come to Somerset.”