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January
10, 2006
Green
light given to Burnham-On-Sea drugs rehabilitation centre
Controversial
plans to convert a Burnham-On-Sea B&B into a drug rehabilitation
centre have been given the go-ahead.
Sedgemoor's
development control committee approved the
unpopular scheme by
just six votes to five at a meeting in Bridgwater on Tuesday January
10th.
 Chairman
David Joslin told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "It was a very close
run thing. Some of the committee felt it was a good thing, while
others were worried about the seaside trade and impact on the
local community."
"The
vote was very close - six members were for the scheme and five
against, meaning the scheme was given the nod to proceed."
Residents
in Berrow Road are furious over the proposal which will now see
the B&B, pictured above, converted into a 13-resident care
home.
A
petition of more than 250 names was
collected against
the scheme
- and 72 letters of objecton were received by district planners.
Residents
fear the rehab, proposed by a company that runs a similar centre
in Weston-super-Mare, will be in the wrong place, might encourage
crime and disorder, and may also 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.
He
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 registered its objection and in a
statement said 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 quoted in the district council report, said: "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."
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