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Published:
September 4, 2008
Exclusive:
Planners give approval to 117 new homes in Highbridge
 Controversial
plans to build 117 new homes in Highbridge have this week been
given the go-ahead.
Raglan
Housing Association applied for permission to build the 3.7 acre
development of low-cost houses and flats next to the A38 besides
the entrance to the town's Asda supermarket, as shown on this
map.
Despite
widespread concern over the soaring number of empty properties
in the town, the controversial scheme has been given a green light
by Sedgemoor District Council's planning department this week.
The
plans were first reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com last
December when they attracted a cool reception from town councillors,
who expressed fears about traffic and parking problems, social
issues and whether there is a need for more low-cost housing.
 Planning
officer Rob Morgan gave the scheme the go-ahead this week after
considering the opinions of local councillors and other bodies.
Highbridge
district councillor Joe Leach told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Thursday
evening (September 4th) that he is "disappointed" the
scheme has been granted permission.
"We
haven't got the infrastructure in place in Highbridge to support
another 117 homes. I would also question whether this type of
housing is needed in the town, as opposed to better family housing."
The
scheme is particulalarly sensitive as as total of £100,000
is being given by Sedgemoor District Council to the developers
of the site to help with the costs of creating more local affordable
housing in the Highbridge area.
RELATED
LINKS:
Highbridge
homes plan gets cool welcome from town councillors
Highbridge
is at a 'tipping point' warn town councillors
Planners
raise concerns about Highbridge 'over development'
Developers
submit applications to build 210 new homes in Highbridge
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