Published: June 27, 2011
Plans to turn care home into 12 homes draw 'strong objections'

Town councillors in Burnham-On-Sea last night raised "strong objections" over proposals to demolish this former care home and replace it with 12 new homes.

At a meeting on Monday evening (June 27th), the council's Planning Applications Committee raised a number of concerns about the plans by developers Property Link South Limited for 64-66 Berrow Road.

The property, pictured, was formerly known as Beechwood House Rest Home, which closed in 2008 as Burnham-On-Sea.com reported here.

The planning application will involves the demolition of existing buildings at the site plus the construction of eight three-storey houses in two blocks with 14 parking spaces and a further four two-storey houses in one block at the rear, fronting onto Players Lane.

Town councillors considered the plans on Monday in-depth and decided to lodge 'strong objections' on several grounds.

Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton said: "The scheme represents an over-development of the site, the building would not provide enough parking facilities, there would not be enough amenity space and the light and privacy of a neighbouring property would be affected."

Committee Chairman Cllr Alan Miller added: "I have real concerns about the access for emergency vehicle at the site - it would be very poor."

Parking was also a concern for Cllr Helen Groves, who said: "Players Lane, which runs behind the property, is an unadopted road and so parking would not be enforceable. There could be many problems here unless the county council were to take it over and maintain it."

Cllr Louise Parkin added: "There are some beautiful old properties along this stretch of Berrow Road. It would be such a shame if a building out of keeping with the area were introduced."

And Cllr Bill Hancock also raised concerns about access and the risk of flooding in the area.

A letter of objection from a nearby Berrow Road resident was also read out at the meeting, who raised further concerns about parking.

But a statement from Sedgemoor planning officer Chris Gomm revealed he has "no objections in principal" to the plans. Burnham-On-Sea.com

Feedback from members of the public is welcomed until July 19th. Sedgemoor District Council will ultimately decide whether the plans go ahead.