District councillors will decide on Tuesday (June 26th) whether controversial plans to build 95 new homes next to the River Brue in Highbridge are given the go-ahead.
The proposals for the boatyard site near The Clyce include eighty five houses, plus ten flats, and have attracted scores of ojections from nearby residents, the town’s MP Tessa Munt and the Town Council. A petition against the scheme has also been signed by 91 people.
They have raised concerns about site access, parking and the additional strain that the 95 new homes could cause to the town’s roads, schools and GP surgeries.
But Toni Hammick, from developer Property Link, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Some irresponsible people have been spreading misinformation about this site. The opposition does upset me because we have the backing of many expert consultants over the past two years.”
“The £2million flood defences which we will be installing along the river will have long-term benefits for Highbridge, protecting the town from flooding and allowing future development.”
Resident Helen Groves, who has spoken out against the plans, said: “Infrastructure is a huge issue for the future of Highbridge. We have already reached a saturation point where we cannot support more people.”
And Highbridge district councillor Joe Leach has warned about the impact on local doctors surgeries, saying that Highbridge medical centre is already at full capacity.
Councillors and residents making a visit to the site earlier this month
