Burnham-On-Sea’s former adult learning centre looks set to be taken over by a commercial developer after a ruling by Somerset Council this month.
The Waffle Hub Community Cafe in Burnham had submitted an official ‘Community Right to Bid’ for the property in Princess Street, describing it as ‘an Asset of Community Value’.
The cafe also submitted an expression of interest in buying the site, saying it has the support of multiple community stakeholders to take it on.
The Waffle Hub wanted to expand its community services by moving from the Methodist Church to the Princess Street site.
However, Somerset Council has this month ruled that “following an assessment, the Council has decided not to enter the property onto the list of Assets of Community Value.”
The council explains: “A part of this site has previously been assessed, and the nomination was unsuccessful. This nomination does not meet the criteria as the garden and building is used for the nursery only.”
“From the information received and online due diligence undertaken, the nursery only
provides education for 2–6-year-olds and offers no other social interests or well-being for
the community.”
“The nomination therefore does not meet the following of the critical tests, namely that: the main use of the land or building furthered the social well-being or social interests of the local community in the recent past (i.e. 5 years), and it is realistic to think that this could happen again in the next five years (even if the type of social use or benefit might change).”
Reacting to the decision, Waffle Hub Trustee Caroline King told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It is all very disappointing, and very disappointing for the town because the most likely people to have got the site is a developer.”
A spokesperson from Somerset Council told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The former adult Learning Centre in Burnham’s Princess Street was identified along with a number of assets that were declared surplus. Although the property has not yet been sold, it would be inappropriate to share commercially sensitive information pertaining to its sale price or future use, however, any funding generated will form part of the wider disposals programme supporting the Council’s future financial stability.”
The estate agent has declined to comment.
