Published: March 19, 2008
Dozens of residents sign petition opposing Burnham beachfront flats

Over 75 residents in Burnham-On-Sea have signed a petition calling on planners not to allow a seafront property to be turned into a multi-million pound block of apartments.

Residents in Allandale Road are up in arms over the plans to convert a home into a three-storey block of 14 apartments on Burnham's beachfront.

Burnham-On-Sea.com reported last summer how the scheme at 17 Allandale Road had initially been turned down by Sedgemoor planners, but the owners have since appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.

The ambitious scheme would have seen the demolition of the current property (pictured here) and the construction of flats on two floors, plus a top floor penthouse, along with 20 parking spaces and a new access road.

Local residents have formed an action group to oppose the plans and over 75 people have already signed a petition.

"There's a lot of strong feeling about this," action group chairman John Mackie told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week.

"None of us feel the scheme should go ahead. Sedgemoor made a decision last year and it was the right one."

"The building line for the proposed property is far too close to the beach and such a modern block of apartments would be completely out-of-keeping with this area of Burnham."

Sedgemoor planners rejected the scheme for several reasons, as explained by a spokesman at the time: "The proposed poorly designed modern block of flats is inappropriate in its context and if erected would significantly harm the character and appearance of both the Allandale Road area and the seafront."

But Moose Roper Limited, the developers behind the scheme, claim in their application that the proposed building would "make a positive contribution to new housing needs in Burnham-On-Sea with a landmark building."

It adds: "This is a necessary development meeting housing targets on a brownfield site, which in turn protects the countryside."

Local residents have until the start of April to gather feedback and more signatures for their petition, which will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol for consideration.

Our photo shows (top) Allandale Road residents Tom Ashton with John and Jean Mackie adding their signatures to the petition