Proposals to knock down a prominent property in the centre of Highbridge and convert it into 14 new flats plus a restaurant and a leisure facility have this week been opposed by town councillors.

Burnham-On-Sea.com first unveiled plans by Property Link to redevelop Canal House, which is situated next to the A38 roundabout in the town.

However, councillors at this week’s meeting of Burnham and Highbridge Town Council’s planning committee have voiced concerns over the scheme.

Cllr Janet Keen said: “Highbridge is being destroyed and blighted by flats – the last this town needs is another 14 flats.”

Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton agreed, saying the development would also be out of place.

“It would be a ridiculously high building – effectively five storeys tall – and would not be in keeping with the rest of the street.”

Cllr Michael Clarke expressed concerns about pedestrian safety next to the site and Cllr Chris Williams said insufficient detail had been given regarding the proposals for new leisure facilities at the site.

Cllr Keen also expressed concerns about increased traffic at the junction: “The A38 is already one of the busiest A roads in Britain, particularly when there are accidents on the M5 and traffic diverts through Highbridge,” she said.

“This new development would further increase activity around this busy roundabout, which could well cause additional traffic problems.”

Other concerns expressed during the meeting included the over-development of the area, poor access to the proposed site, and a lack of parking.

Councillors decided to formally object against the scheme, but Sedgemoor District Council will have the ultimate decision on whether the scheme goes ahead. Its planning department is currently accepting public feedback on the application until 13th April.

 
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