Published: July 3, 2012
Council planners rule 'garish' seafront snack bar 'is not breaking rules'

Sedgemoor District Council has this week said it will not take action against the owners of an "unauthorised" snack bar on Burnham-On-Sea seafront despite concerns it is out of keeping with the Conservation Area.

Burnham and Highbridge Town Council contacted Sedgemoor's planning enforcement team after the brightly-coloured red and white cabin selling hot dogs and burgers was installed outside Sunspot Amusements without planning consent.

An investigation was launched by Sedgemoor's Enforcement Officer Pam Berry, who has ruled this week: "The unauthorised cabin, whilst brightly painted and somewhat garish, will not significantly undermine the character or appearance of the Conservation Area or surrounding area by virtue of its siting next to a large amusement arcade which itself is brightly coloured and illuminated."

"The cabin is set in the context of this amusement arcade and its associated illuminations and equipment and cannot be seen in isolation. As such, the cabin cannot be considered an incongruous feature in its current location."

She added: "I have completed my investigations and the Planning Officer considers that there are no planning objections to the development."

But town councillor Phil Harvey told a meeting on Monday evening (July 2nd): "It does seem somewhat of a contradiction that Sedgemoor can describe a building as 'brightly painted' and 'somewhat garish' and yet conclude it does not affect the appearance of a Conservation Area."