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January
8, 2006
Proposed
Burnham-On-Sea drugs rehabilitation centre edges closer
Controversial
plans to convert a Burnham-On-Sea bed-and-breakfast into a drug
rehabilitation centre could get the go-ahead on Tuesday (January
10th).
 Members
of Sedgemoor's development control committee will decide whether
to agree with a planning officer's recomm-endation to approve
the unpopular scheme.
Residents
in Berrow Road are furious over the plans to convert the B&B,
pictured, into a 13-resident care home.
A
petition of more than 250 names has
been collected against
the scheme
- and 72 letters of objecton have been received by district planners.
Residents
fear the rehab - proposed by a company that runs a similar centre
in Weston-super-Mare - would be in the wrong place, might bring
crime or disorder to the area, and could devalue property prices.
Town
councillors have backed the protesters, condemning the loss of
a "very important" B&B and citing possible traffic
and parking problems.
But,
despite the outcry, officers at Sedgemoor District Council have
recommended that the scheme be given the nod, subject to conditions
which include CCTV and an access system.
| .Proposed
Rehab Centre Facts |
The rehab centre would cater for 18-64 year olds who live
together as one single household.
The centre would have a maximum capacity of 13 residents
and one staff flat.
A total of four staff would supervise the centre and its
residents.
The applicant has experience in running a similar care centre
in Weston-super-Mare.
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The
planning report of case officer Peter Blake noted that an "overwhelming"
number of local residents believed the centre could increase crime
and damage the area.
It
concluded, however, that it would not cause problems and pointed
out the centre was not a "drop-in clinic" but a residential
home, and advised councillors to grant permission.
Burnham
and Highbridge Town Council has registered its objection, saying
the development would lead to the loss of a B&B facility "which
is very important to the tourist industry of the town."
The council also believes there is an "inadequate amount
of car parking and that the five spaces shown on the application
would not be sufficient for staff and visitors."
Town councillors also say they do not consider such a venture
is appropriate in a largely residential area, stating that social
issues, including noise and disturbance, and annoyance of neighbours
may be generated.
Local
police have given a cautious thumbs-up to the scheme. A liaison
officer is quoted in the district council report as saying: "I
have no adverse comment to make. However, I would suggest that
due to the type of business a security system, including access
control, is an important consideration."
Sedgemoor's
Regeneration Crime and Safety Officer also came out in favour
of the plans, stating: "Rehabilitating known misusers will
have a positive affect on local crime figures. Socially including
and accepting the residents into everyday society, where there
is equal access to social facilities and amenities, will encourage
the residents to overcome their chaotic lifestyles, give them
a sense of well-being and serve to reduce fear of crime."
"Well-managed
centres of this kind serve to reduce actual crime and the fear
of crime. From the report it seems that the applicant concerned
here is well established in their field. However, authorities
and managers alike cannot afford to become complacent, as this
will have the reverse effect entirely."
Members
of Sedgemoor's development control committee meet on January 10th
to decide whether to approve the scheme.
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