Published: February 20, 2007
Poor turnout for Burnham-On-Sea conservation plans debate

Plans to extend Burnham-On-Sea's conservation area got a lukewarm reception when they were discussed at a poorly attended public meeting in the town on Monday night (February 19th).

Just 30 residents attended the gathering in The Princess Hall - as pictured above - where James White, Sedgemoor's Conservation Officer, outlined proposals for a major expansion of the town's conservation area, as we reported last month.

Mr White explained that the present Conservation Area boundary would be significantly extended to include the former Queen's Hotel, the pavilion, Manor House and an area of the town centre including Victoria Street and College Street.

The plans were given a lukewarm reception by residents, who aired a number of issues.

Concerns were raised about the introduction of approved colour schemes for buildings, that certain window styles could be banned, while the Chamber of Trade raised fears about the potential financial impact on local businesses.

While Mr White was able to answer many concerns, a number of questions were asked of him and colleagues Rob Morgan (from Sedgemoor's planning department) and Nick Bates (from the district regeneration team).

It was questioned why the Marine Cove bus shelters were being included in the plans if "they keep getting vandalised". Mr Bates responded that the gardens are expecting an anticipated lottery grant windfall that will enable them to be "developed and preserved".

Other areas under scrutiny were Technical Street - which it was confirmed is not included in the proposed Area - and the south side of the boundary around Manor Gardens, which will include St Andrew's Hall.

Alex Turco of Burnham's Chamber of Trade warned that "some businesses may leave if the conditions of the Conservation Area are too difficult."

Mr White said: "I certainly do not want to stifle business and am keen to encourage trade and shoppers."

Mr Turco also questioned why the extended boundary line appeared to include the Tucker's garage tower, but not the site around it. Mr White confirmed he would clarify this position.

A High Street shop owner voiced fears about what impact the plans would have on town businesses if premises are now to be included in the conservation area.

Mr White said shop fronts would "need to be in character with what's special about Burnham-On-Sea from both an architectural and aesthetic point of view."

Mr White was asked whether an approved colour scheme for buildings in the conservation area had been considered, to which he replied that "if the colours of individual houses are detrimental to a whole terrace then the colours might need to change."

On the subject of window styles, Mr White said the retention of original window styles would be encouraged wherever possible. "We may encourage residents to keep wooden windows and not use PVC," he said, but he added that each case would be considered on an individual basis as part of the planning process.

The Chamber of Trade said it was disappointed that no elected representatives had attended the meeting and that no members of Sedgemoor's Executive - who will ultimately decide whether the plans proceed - were in attendance.

It's not too late to have your say on the proposals. The draft Conservation Plan can be viewed online and residents can also submit their comments online until March 7th.