Plans to extend Burnham-On-Sea’s conservation area could have big implications for a seafront amusement arcade.
Sunspot amusements has been singled out as being “out of character” and it is proposed that the arcade would benefit from a design similar to that below.
Burnham-On-Sea.com reported last week that proposals to extend the town’s Conservation Area were given the backing of the district council’s Executive Committee during a special meeting in the town.
The man behind the plans – James White, Sedgemoor’s Conservation Officer – has started a six-week period of public consultation on the proposed changes, which are outlined in a ‘Character Appraisal and Management Plan’.
Mr White states in the report: “Whilst the use of this building is in keeping with a seaside resort, its external appearance is out of character with the traditional nature of the Conservation Area.”
“The site is framed by good quality buildings on either side – the Queens Hotel and
neighbouring properties to the south and a pair of nineteenth century buildings – 1 and 3 The Esplanade – to the north.”
“Postcards show that this site was still an open area into the 1960s. The District Council would not expect a pastiche design on this site and there is an opportunity to provide a modern but sympathetic new development here.”
“The negative impact of the present building derives from a number of factors: Height: it is shorter than the neighbouring two storey buildings; Plot Width: a single frontage occupies the equivalent of three plots; Materials: the fascia is of striking modern materials; Street Line: the building steps forward from the street line.”
“The redevelopment of this large site offers the opportunity to increase the amount of commercial floorspace by providing a new, two storey development.”
“To enhance the appearance of the Conservation Area, any new development should feature a two storey development with a cornice height level with its neighbours; the clear visual presentation of the site as three separate plots; a painted stucco wall treatment beneath a natural slate roof; a frontage built in line with the established street line; regularly spaced, vertical window openings.”
