Published: January 9, 2009
27-name petition backs bid for more low-cost homes in Burnham-On-Sea

A petition signed by 27 Burnham-On-Sea people supporting the construction of more affordable homes in the town was presented to councillors this week to support a planning application for a new low-cost home.

Eric Mackenzine has collected the names in recent weeks to support his planning application for a low-cost home at the corner of Winchester Road, pictured, a proposal that has attracted opposition from some nearby residents.

Town council planners had turned down two previous applications from Mr Mackenzie, who orginally wanted to construct two homes at the site, but the plan for a single new home was this week approved and now goes to Sedgemoor District Council for a final decision.

"This is the third time I have applied for permission to build here, and the council's previous objections regarding over-develepment of the site and the property being out-of-keeping were no longer relevant, so I'm happy it's been passed without objection this time," he told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

One formal complaint from a local resident was received by the town council, citing additional traffic generation and the loss of visual impact, plus additional traffic.

And Cllr Joe Leach said at this week's planning meeting he was "not comfortable with the loss of amenity space at the site, even though less land would be lost now than under the two previous applications."

However, the planning applications committee voted in favour of approving the plans following a narrow vote. The scheme will be ultimately decided by the district council during the next few weeks.