Published: September 11, 2008
Plans to build 14 flats in place of Burnham church hall get thumbs down

Plans to demolish a former church hall in Burnham-On-Sea and build a block of 14 flats and a house in its place have been given a 'thumbs down' by town councillors this week.

Raglan Homes has applied for planning permission to knock down St Peter's Hall, opposite Burnham's Catholic Church in Highbridge Road, to create the new development.

But town councillors on Burnham's planning applications committee expressed concerns about the development when they met earlier this week.

"It would be almost twice the height of the current church hall and would be completely out of keeping with this part of Burnham," said Cllr Joe Leach.

And Cllr Pauline Pollard added: "There are no buildings like this in the area and the design appears to represent over-development."

Cllr Ken Smout told the meeting the planned parking facilities are a cause for further concern. "There are too few car parking spaces planned for the site, and this might mean the residents and visitors would have to park along nearby roads."

Cllr Leach added that the three-storey development may also mean lead to a loss of privacy to nearby residents due to over-looking.

The town council has logged its objections, but the final decision on whether the scheme gets approval rests with Sedgemoor District Council's planners, who will consider the proposal during the next few weeks.

Residents have until September 23rd to provide their feedback to the district council.