Published: April 2, 2008
Burnham-On-Sea residents fight plans for 'ludicrous' new homes

Angry residents in Burnham-On-Sea handed a petition to town councillors on Monday night (March 31st) opposing plans to build new homes in their area.

The residents are fighting plans to create two new homes on land adjacent to 9 Winchester Road.

A petition signed by 40 people was presented to the council at the start of its planning applications committee meeting on Monday evening.

Winchester Road resident Colin Martin explained to the committee why there is such opposition to the scheme.

"There is already a serious problem with road safety at this junction due to reduced visibility, so to add these ludicrous new homes would create a real hazard," he said.

"Also, the location of the proposed houses would overlook existing properties and the privacy of up to six nearby homes would be affected. We are also concerned about a loss of open space which would significantly alter the street scene."

After hearing the comments and inspecting the plans, town councillors agreed they would be objecting against the scheme, but the final decision rests with the district council's Development Control Committee on April 29th.

Town councillor Ken Smout expressed concern about road safety at the site. "We welcome new homes, but not if it's at the expense of safety," he said.

Cllr Chris Williams added: "I really don't think we should be losing open green space on this estate." And Cllr Janet Keene also voiced her concerns, saying: "Privacy and overlooking of homes are certainly issues here."

Our photo shows residents holding their petition outside the town council offices on Monday evening (March 31st)