January 8, 2006
Proposed Burnham-On-Sea drugs rehabilitation centre edges closer
Controversial plans to convert a Burnham-On-Sea bed-and-breakfast into a drug rehabilitation centre could get the go-ahead on Tuesday (January 10th).
Members of Sedgemoor’s development control committee will decide whether to agree with a planning officer’s recomm-endation to approve the unpopular scheme.
Residents in Berrow Road are furious over the plans to convert the B&B, pictured, into a 13-resident care home.
A petition of more than 250 names has been collected against the scheme – and 72 letters of objecton have been received by district planners.
Residents fear the rehab – proposed by a company that runs a similar centre in Weston-super-Mare – would be in the wrong place, might bring crime or disorder to the area, and could devalue property prices.
Town councillors have backed the protesters, condemning the loss of a “very important” B&B and citing possible traffic and parking problems.
But, despite the outcry, officers at Sedgemoor District Council have recommended that the scheme be given the nod, subject to conditions which include CCTV and an access system.
.Proposed Rehab Centre Facts
The rehab centre would cater for 18-64 year olds who live together as one single household.
The centre would have a maximum capacity of 13 residents and one staff flat.
A total of four staff would supervise the centre and its residents.
The applicant has experience in running a similar care centre in Weston-super-Mare.
The planning report of case officer Peter Blake noted that an “overwhelming” number of local residents believed the centre could increase crime and damage the area.
It concluded, however, that it would not cause problems and pointed out the centre was not a “drop-in clinic” but a residential home, and advised councillors to grant permission.
Burnham and Highbridge Town Council has registered its objection, saying the development would lead to the loss of a B&B facility “which is very important to the tourist industry of the town.”
The council also believes there is an “inadequate amount of car parking and that the five spaces shown on the application would not be sufficient for staff and visitors.”
Town councillors also say they do not consider such a venture is appropriate in a largely residential area, stating that social issues, including noise and disturbance, and annoyance of neighbours may be generated.
Local police have given a cautious thumbs-up to the scheme. A liaison officer is quoted in the district council report as saying: “I have no adverse comment to make. However, I would suggest that due to the type of business a security system, including access control, is an important consideration.”
Sedgemoor’s Regeneration Crime and Safety Officer also came out in favour of the plans, stating: “Rehabilitating known misusers will have a positive affect on local crime figures. Socially including and accepting the residents into everyday society, where there is equal access to social facilities and amenities, will encourage the residents to overcome their chaotic lifestyles, give them a sense of well-being and serve to reduce fear of crime.”
“Well-managed centres of this kind serve to reduce actual crime and the fear of crime. From the report it seems that the applicant concerned here is well established in their field. However, authorities and managers alike cannot afford to become complacent, as this will have the reverse effect entirely.”
Members of Sedgemoor’s development control committee meet on January 10th to decide whether to approve the scheme.
