Home Bargains Store Approved in Frome, Set to Create Over 100 Jobs

Frome is set to welcome a new Home Bargains store, bringing over 100 job opportunities to the area following the recent approval by Somerset Council.

The store will be situated near the existing Sainsbury's and McDonald's outlets, forming part of the broader Keyford Meadows development.

In July 2020, the former Mendip District Council granted outline planning permission for a mixed-use development comprising 235 homes and commercial spaces along Sandys Hill Lane.

Developer Curo has since progressed with the residential component, nearing completion of 198 homes at the Keyford Meadows site.

In November 2024, T J Morris Ltd., trading as Home Bargains, submitted plans to establish a new store within the commercial segment of the development, adjacent to Sainsbury's with access via Oakley Way.

Despite concerns about potential traffic congestion, the council's planning committee east approved the proposal on November 4, 2025.

The site, designated for commercial use in the council's Local Plan Part II, will feature 137 parking spaces, including eight accessible spots, five parent-and-child spaces, and two electric vehicle charging points, alongside ten cycle stands for customers and staff.

Local resident Gary Wicks, who has lived in Keyford Meadows for 18 months, expressed concerns about increased traffic congestion, particularly around the Sainsbury's and McDonald's roundabout, exacerbated by commuter traffic.

He highlighted that all entrances to the roundabout become easily backlogged, even for those simply wishing to return home, leading to frequent verbal abuse from drivers.

Additionally, the prospect of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) reversing within this stretch of road was deemed problematic.

Selwood Parish Council member Richard Hammons emphasized the need for dedicated service entrances for HGVs, stating that mixing HGVs with customers is dangerous and unsafe, and a dedicated service road is required for both stores.

Frome East Councillor Helen Kay acknowledged the challenges posed by the narrow commercial strip and the need for creative solutions to accommodate lorry access.

After a 45-minute debate, the committee approved the plans by nine votes to zero, with one abstention.

Construction of the new Home Bargains store is expected to commence shortly after Christmas, with the opening date anticipated later in 2026.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Quod, representing the retailer, highlighted the importance of affordable access to quality, everyday goods, especially given the current cost-of-living challenges.

They noted that the discount retail sector has seen significant growth as shoppers are attracted by the quality of products and competitive pricing.

With the nearest Home Bargains store located eight miles away in Trowbridge, the new store in Frome is expected to generate over 100 full- and part-time job opportunities, primarily for local residents across a range of roles.

Additional applications are anticipated in 2026 for a food retail outlet to the south of the Home Bargains store and various elements to the north, potentially including a care home and two drive-thru outlets.

As Frome continues to evolve, the introduction of Home Bargains is poised to enhance the local retail landscape, offering residents greater shopping options and contributing to the town's economic growth.

However, addressing traffic management and ensuring safe access will be crucial to integrating this new development harmoniously into the community.