In a significant development in the long-running Saxonvale saga, Somerset Council’s Executive Committee voted to lift the exclusivity agreement held by Mayday Saxonvale, opening the door to alternative options for the 12-acre brownfield site in the heart of Frome.
Mayday Saxonvale was awarded exclusive purchasing rights in March 2025, following the withdrawal of commercial developer Acorn. However, delays in finalising the sale and contract terms have led to Somerset Council withdrawing from the draft agreement, citing the absence of a fully funded and deliverable offer.
In a statement published on social media, Somerset Council said: “The future of a 12-acre site in Frome, known as Saxonvale, has moved forward. At an Extraordinary Executive meeting, Somerset Council Members voted to explore alternative options, including a potential open market sale. The decision means the draft contract with Mayday Saxonvale Development Ltd has been withdrawn in the absence of a fully-funded and deliverable offer from the developers.
Members stressed that removing exclusivity from Mayday Saxonvale did not prevent further dialogue with them. The Council welcomes any viable proposals for the site that meet its requirements for financial security and best consideration. And it remains committed to delivering a high-quality, mixed-use development that benefits Frome and the wider community.”
Frome Town Council has reiterated its support for the community-led Mayday Saxonvale scheme and called for Somerset Council to give serious consideration to a revised offer submitted by Mayday earlier this week.
Chair of Frome Town Council’s Planning Committee, Cllr Steve Tanner, said: “Mayday have set the ambition for what Saxonvale could be – a high-quality, community-led scheme that delivers lasting benefits for the town. The revised offer deserves serious consideration.
“While we acknowledge that removing exclusivity allows Mayday to remain in the running through an open market process, we are concerned about any shift toward an unconditional sale. Relying on the planning system alone to secure the right outcomes for Frome is risky.
“We’ve seen too many cases where developers roll back on promises once planning is granted. It’s far better to get the fundamentals right at the outset. The Saxonvale site is too important to be decided on price alone – the true value lies in the long-term benefits to the town.”
Leader and Chair of Frome Town Council, Cllr Fiona Barrows, added: “This remains a huge opportunity – not just for Frome, but for Somerset. The Mayday Saxonvale scheme could be the largest community-led development in the UK and become a flagship project for our town and county – showing a different way forward is possible.
It shows real courage and commitment to delivering something meaningful and visionary for local people. While the removal of exclusivity might seem disappointing, we think it is actually a postiive step forward as it will open the door to a better agreement – one that works for both Somerset Council, Mayday Saxonvale and the people of Frome.
I also want to sincerely thank the Somerset Council Executive for returning to Frome to make this decision in public, and particularly Cllr Bill Revans for keeping his promise to ensure Frome’s voice is heard where it matters.”
Frome Town Council confirmed it will continue to work closely with Somerset Council to ensure any future development of the Saxonvale site is in the best interests of the town and its residents.
