Published: June 16, 2008
Burnham beachfront flats protesters get more time to fight their case

Residents in Burnham-On-Sea who are fighting plans for a seafront property to be be turned into a multi-million pound block of apartments are celebrating a small victory after planners delayed their decision on whether the controversial scheme should proceed.

Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report in March how residents of Allandale Road are up in arms over plans to build a three-storey block of 14 apartments on Burnham's beachfront.

The scheme at 17 Allandale Road was initially turned down by Sedgemoor planners last summer but the owners have appealed to the Planning Inspectorate and an inquiry was set to be held in Burnham's Princess Hall this month.

However, the residents, pictured above, were disappointed at the lack of time given by the Planning Inspectorate to prepare for the inquiry hearing and are delighted to have won a small victory by getting it delayed until Tuesday July 29th.

"There wasn't enough time to get all the evidence together," Allandale Road resident Tom Ashton told Burnham-On-Sea.com, who is among those fighting the scheme.

"More time is needed and we're very pleased the Planning Inspectorate has delayed the date of the inquiry until late next month."

The residents have already organised a petition and won the backing of local councillors in their opposition to the scheme, which would see the demolition of the current property (pictured right) and the construction of flats on two floors, plus a top floor penthouse, along with 20 parking spaces and a new access road.

An action group was formed to oppose the plans and over 150 people have signed the group's petition.

But Moose Roper Limited, the developers behind the scheme, say the proposed building would "make a positive contribution to new housing needs in Burnham with a landmark building. This is a necessary development meeting housing targets on a brownfield site, which in turn protects the countryside."

Our photos show Allandale Road residents and the property which would be demolished