The developers behind the multi-million pound plan to regenerate the fire-ravaged former Highbridge Hotel will pay almost £150,000 towards new school facilities in the town as part of this week’s decision to grant the scheme approval.
Members of Sedgemoor District Council’s Development Control Committee unanimously granted approval to the £11million scheme during a meeting in Bridgwater, as reported here.
Hotel owner Derek Mead will build 59 residential dwellings on the old cattle market site and the fire-damaged hotel itself will be redeveloped into 2 studio flats, 5 4-bed flats plus new accommodation for the YMCA with a multi-use games area.
It has emerged that the developers will be asked to meet several planning conditions, including a Section 106 agreement that seeks £147,084 for primary school education.
A council spokesman said: “Attention has been given to the additional impacts that the scheme will have on the local area. As the scheme includes the provision of 54 two and three bedroom houses, there will be an impact on education provision in the local area.”
“This has been a concern of the County Education officers especially given the amount of development that has taken place or has been proposed in the area including the redevelopment of the Boatyard site and Delta Engineering the west and Brue Farm to the east.”
“The applicants have taken on board the comments made and the concerns of the local Ward Members and Town Council and factored a full contribution to meet the £147,084 requested. This will be secured by way of the S106 agreement.”
