Fresh concerns about traffic congestion and over-stretched schools and medical centres have been raised by Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge residents during the latest consultation sessions to consider plans for over 1,600 new homes.

Sedgemoor District Council has held two local drop-in events over the past fortnight on its Local Plan that will help shape the future of the area up to the year 2032.

Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported here last year that over 1,600 extra homes could be built on sites in Burnham and Highbridge.

The latest plan says 790 homes could be built in Burnham, while 870 could be constructed in Highbridge.

Following the stage 1 consultation, which ran from October 2015 to January 2016, a number of additional sites have been promoted to the Council for potential development, as shown here in yellow on the map.

“The Council has considered the merits of these sites, with two considered to have potential for housing development in combination with land previously promoted,” said a spokesman.

“The first site is a field lying east of Frank Foley Parkway, while the second site is a field extending north of Poples Bow, adjacent to the railway line. Both sites would not be considered appropriate for development in isolation, but may present opportunities in combination with land previously promoted.”

In Highbridge, several extra parcels of land have also been promoted to the Council as available for development, pictured below.

Land to the east of the railway line has been promoted.

To the south, a parcel of land has been promoted as available for development next to the Brue Farm site where over 400 new homes are planned. This would be an additional second phase of development.

Residents are being advised that it’s still not too late to have your say on the Burnham or Highbridge proposals as the consultation period runs until August 8th.

“We had a steady stream of well over 100 visitors to the latest consultation sessions,” the council’s Andrew Reading told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

“Concerns were expressed about the strain on public services such as health care, schools and other facilities – we know that we will have to engage with infrastructure providers.”

“There were also concerns about the generation of extra traffic caused by the extra housing. Flooding concerns and drainage around some developments have also been raised.”

He added: “There has been positive feedback as well, with some saying the proximity of the Brue Farm development to rail services and the town centre will help the town, while others have welcomed new low-cost housing.”

The authority’s full consultation documents and further information can be found here, along with details of how you can have your say.

Pictured: Top, Highbridge town councillor Andy Brewer with Sedgemoor’s Andrew Reading during the latest consultation session on the Local Plan

 
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