Controversial proposal for 16 new homes could be decided next week

Published: September 22, 2006
Controversial proposal for 16 new homes could be decided next week

Controversial plans to build 16 homes on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea could be decided by planners next week.

We reported in August how Chelvey Homes had submitted an application to demolish a bungalow at 55a Huntspill Road and replace it with the new housing development.

On Tuesday, Sedgemoor planners are scheduled to discuss the application for 16 dwellings, plus the formation of parking and access at the site.

The brownfield site on the western side of the main A38 Huntspill Road is currently used for the open sale of vehicles and caravans. Consent was granted in 1993 to replace the bungalow with a larger car showroom and vehicle workshop, but this was not implemented. Prior to this, outline planning permission had been granted for residential development.

Burnham and Highbridge town councillors have objected to the proposal on the grounds of overdevelopment, a lack of amenity space, concern regarding the number of vehicles turning onto a busy road bend, and concern over access for emergency vehicles.

Four letters of objection have also been received from local residents. They claim that the three-storey side elevation would take away natural sunlight, leave some of their existing properties being overlooked by the new homes, and pose a danger to motorists accessing the site because of poor visibility.

But district planning officer Rob Morgan is recommending that the application be given consent.

"The proposal involves the redevelopment of a brownfield site close to the town centre area of Highbridge to which there are no policy objections. The form of the development reflects and enhances the existing character of the street," he said.