A Highbridge councillor says she has “mixed feelings” at this week’s decision by Sedgemoor District Council to give a development of 248 new homes the go-ahead on the outskirts of the town.
Burnham-On-Sea.com reported here on Tuesday that the outline planning application for a new housing development on fields next to Isleport Lane had been approved by members of the council’s Development Committee.
The application from Bickenhall Consulting is for a development of up to 248 new homes, to include a local shop, public park area and associated infrastructure.
Cllr Janet Keen says: “I have mixed feelings – on the one hand we desperately homes, but I am also sad to see a green space built over.”
“At this stage I have no detailed information regarding the nature of the development, but I am keen to scrutinise the quality of the homes and the quality of the design and space allocations per home.”
“If those fundamentals are done properly there would be a better quality of life for the people who eventually live there. However, a developer is looking at finance, whilst I am looking at the individuals and their peace in their homes – I would dearly like to see those two principles come together.”
“In any development, there needs to be mixed accommodation so that the community is more balanced. For example, elderly / pensioner homes should not be tucked away at the back and out of sight. People who are housebound are as much a part of the community as those who have the freedom to walk and play outside and if going out is impossible then being able to look out at a street scene with ‘life’ is belonging. I deeply hope that the developers will incorporate some of this into their plans.”
“The infrastructure should follow the development, not the other way round and I have asked to be kept up to date with the ‘capacity’ of services, particularly health.”
