Controversial plans for a major new development of 248 new homes on land next to Isleport Lane in Highbridge have been formally submitted this week.
Dozens of residents recently attended a public consultation session to voice concerns over the plans from Bickenhall Consulting, acting on behalf of the developers.
The development will comprise of one, two, three and four bedroom homes which will be two to three storeys high.
But residents have expressed concern about the new housing development putting further strain on local infrastructure, such as roads, schools, doctors, dentists and even underground sewerage.
Sedgemoor District Council has identified a need to build 13,530 homes in the district between 2011 and 2032 – and these homes would be part of the local allocation.
But when Sedgemoor’s local plan was debated by town councillors, Highbridge councillors said the town “is being over-developed to the hilt.”
Spokesman Gary Squires from Bickenhall Consulting told Burnham-On-Sea.com after its consultation meeting: “We had a lot more visitors come along to the session than expected, and a number of points were raised.”
“Residents are concerned about traffic congestion and access, plus public services, and noise from the M5 affecting the homes, but there was a mixture of positive and negative comments.”
He added: “The fact that 30% of properties at this site will be affordable homes has been welcomed by residents.”
Residents also welcomed plans for a new play area, a community hub with the potential for a local shop, plus new public open spaces.
Many Highbridge residents have told local councillors that the town urgently needs improved public services such as a new school, GP surgery and dentist, before hundreds of new homes are built in the town.
The outline planning application is available to view on Sedgemoor District Council’s planning portal under the application number 11/19/00003.
