Published: July 23, 2007
Burnham-On-Sea residents asked for their views on new homes and jobs

Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge residents are this week being invited to give their views on potential locations for hundreds of new homes and jobs in the two towns.

In the largest consultation study ever undertaken by Sedgemoor District Council, leaflets are being distributed to all households this week to give residents a chance to have their say on the future of the area up to the year 2026.

A new map, pictured right, illustrates possible locations for major new housing developments, plus job opportunitues in the area.

Development options include greenfield locations at Alstone, South of the River Brue, and north of the former radio station site off Pepperall Road, with options for new job opportunities on extensions around the existing Isleport Business Park - as illustrated here.

In addition to greenfield development there will be a need to provide a proportion of new housing on brownfield sites (sites which have been previously developed).

Nick Tait, Sedgemoor District Council's Regeneration Policy Team Leader, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "National and Regional housebuilding targets are challenging and we need to make sure that growth in Sedgemoor is accommodated in the most sustainable way, which is the purpose of the Core Strategy."

"The views of the people of Sedgemoor on how they wish to see their District planned over the next 20 years are a vital part of this process and it is hoped that the householder leaflet will enable as many people as possible to become involved."

"I should stress no decisions have been made in respect of locations or sites but it is important to gain views at this early stage in the process. To aid this further, we have extended the deadline for comments from August 13th until August 31st."

The leaflet can be returned to drop off points at Council Offices and libraries across Sedgemoor during coming weeks, or views submitted online here.