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Published:
May 7, 2009
Exclusive:
Council 'strongly objects' to controversial Highbridge flats plan
Proposals
to convert this run-down property in the centre of Highbridge
into new flats have this week prompted objections from councillors
and local residents.
Members
of the Town Council's Planning Applications Committee gave a 'thumbs
down' to the plans to convert and extend two homes at 29-30 Church
Street to form four dwellings when they met on Tuesday (May 5th).
Three
formal letters of objection have also been received from local
residents and councillors decided to "strongly object"
to the proposals, which have been made by property owner Mead
Realisations.
A
Town Council spokeswoman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Members
strongly objected to this application and consider the addition
of two dwellings at the rear of the property to be an overdevelopment
of the site."
"The
Town Council has argued consistently that no more flats are needed
in Highbridge and it had been recognised by a senior officer at
the District Council that family dwellings and not flats are required
in Highbridge to redress the balance of accommodation."
"Whilst
adequate parking is available at the rear of the properties, the
access by vehicles is by a private lane that is not maintained
by the District Council or County Council and requires vehicles
to slow to 10mph or less when turning off the main A38, slowing
up a very busy stretch of road, which in itself would give safety
concerns."
Cllr
Chris Williams, pictured above outside the property, added: "Many
local residents are unhappy and have a lot of concern about these
proposals, particularly regarding access from the road and the
possibility of 10 extra cars being parked here."
The
Town Council has asked for a site meeting by Sedgemoor's planning
committee before any decision is made.
Our
photo shows Cllr Chris Williams outside the property in Highbridge
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