Care home at Land At Marston Road, Frome

What was proposed

The application sought demolition of an existing building and a care home with parking, altered access and landscaping.

“The Officer’s Report stated this application was for the demolition of an existing building and the erection of a care home with parking, alterations to existing access, landscaping and associated infrastructure.”

Minutes

Why officers recommended approval

Officers found the use compatible with neighbours and policy, with confirmed need for care beds, and recommended conditional approval.

“The Report continued that the site lay within the development limit for Frome and located partially within land allocated for employment use. The use of land for a care home was considered compatible with the adjacent residential properties. There had been confirmation from Adult Social Care of the need for additional care home beds within Frome. Technical consultees were satisfied with the application subject to specified conditions and obligations.”

“Frome Town Council objected to the application as did the two division Members. There had been 104 letters of objection to the proposal for various reasons including the principle of development, the impact on neighbours, the visual impact and the impact on biodiversity and landscaping.”

Minutes

Who spoke

Four objectors, three supporters, the Town Council and the applicant's agent addressed the committee.

What members debated

Members discussed viability, over-provision, massing and overbearing impact, separation distances and the employment land allocation.

“One Member queried whether a formal viability study had been undertaken for the number of proposed beds. Officers confirmed that no formal viability assessment had been submitted, nor was one required, but discussions with the applicant indicated that the proposed number of beds was necessary for the care home to be viable. • Members asked whether an application could be refused on grounds of over-provision.”

“The scheme provided a 27-metre separation distance to the closest property, with only one window requiring obscure glazing; other facing windows are over 34 metres away. • Internal room sizes and layouts were queried. Officers confirmed that the architect was extremely experienced in care home design and the scheme meets relevant CQC and design standards, including en-suite rooms and access to communal facilities.”

Minutes

The vote

The application was approved in accordance with the officer's recommendation, by 9 votes to 2 with 1 abstention.

“At the conclusion of the debate, Councillor Ewan Cameron proposed that the application be approved in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation. This proposal was seconded by Councillor Martin Lovell.”

“That planning application 2025/1341/FUL be APPROVED in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes