Published: May 9, 2008
Parish councillors back West Huntspill residents opposing 14 homes

Parish councillors in West Huntspill, near Burnham-On-Sea, have this week backed dozens of residents who are campaigning against plans to build 14 new homes in the village.

Over 40 residents attended West Huntspill Parish Council's meeting on Tuesday (May 6th) to air their objections to the plans by a developer to construct 14 new homes on land at 10 Alstone Lane.

Alistair Gibson from house developer Charlcombe Estates also attended to explain his comapny's pans, but he was unable to convince parish councillors to back the unpopular proposals and the council voted to oppose the application.

If planning consent were granted, the developer would be required to carry out a full archaeological investigation prior to developing the site, since the location was formerly the home of a scheduled ancient monument. The cost of the investigation is likely to exceed £100,000, according to the developer's website.

Local resident Margaret McDowell said after Tuesday's meeting: "One resident asked Charlcombe Estates if they were the builders of this development and the answer was 'no'. They will merely sell the land on to builders, who in turn can then re-submit the planning application, asking for the number of houses to be increased."

"Alstone is in a high flood risk area and any sizeable development would, no doubt, increase the risk of flooding. Alstone is also totally unsuitable for an increased level of traffic. 75% of Alstone has no pedestrian footpath and the road is very narrow in places with no room for pavements to be laid," she added.

"Some residents have lived in Alstone for many years and state that the land in question has only ever been used as agricultural land so is not suitable for development. The proposed buildings will be totally out of character to the surrounding area."

Residents have until May 27th to send their objections to the plans to Sedgemoor District Council's planners, who will ultimately decide whether the scheme gets approved.

Photographed above are local residents leaving Tuesday's parish council meeting, where the plans were opposed by councillors