Published: October 7, 2012
Town Council lodges formal objection over Burnham pier building

Town councillors have this week raised a formal objection against plans by the owner of Burnham-On-Sea pier to retain a controversial sweet shop on the forecourt of the building.

Members of the Town Council's Planning Applications Committee discussed a number of concerns about the conservatory, which is used as a sweet shop.

It comes after Pavilion owner Louise Parkin, pictured, recently submitted a formal planning application to try and retain the building, supported by a petition of over 1,100 customers.

At the same time, she resigned her role as a member of the Town Council's Planning Applications Committee, which this week considered her proposals.

A council spokeswoman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "We are objecting purely on the grounds that the new building is not entirely in keeping with the Victorian seafront and pier structure."

"However, if the applicant should come forward with modifications to make it more in keeping we would consider removing the objections as we recognise the importance of the pier within the town and understand the need for this type of construction."

Sedgemoor District Council requested earlier this year that the white conservatory be demolished because it was installed "without planning permission" and is "out of keeping".

However, Louise initially argued that it does not require permission because it is a 'Permitted Development' under UK planning laws for amusement parks. But rather than embark on costly court action she submitted the planning application to try and resolve the matter.

The Town Council's objection will now be considered by Sedgemoor District Council which will have the ultimate say on whether it gets the go-ahead.