Proposals to build new affordable homes near Burnham-On-Sea attracted mixed feedback from 80 local people during a special event to display the plans this week.
Sedgemoor District Council and Brent Knoll Parish Council hosted a ‘Housing Project Drop in Session’ for residents to view emerging housing proposals for land in Station Road, Brent Knoll.
Sedgemoor Housing Development Manager Duncan Harvey said the event had been a great success, telling Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We saw a good turnout with around 80 people coming along to find out more about our plans for affordable housing for local people here.”
“The original plans for this site were for 18 dwellings but after feedback it’s been reduced to 15 dwellings, including nine affordable homes.”
“People recognise that we’re listening to them – the concerns about flooding and over-development with the first scheme have been acted upon and we’ve come back with a more acceptable scheme.”
He added that the scheme will go to parish councillors before Christmas, before a full planning application is submitted in early 2018.
“Development could begin in early autumn 2018, dependent on the feedback we get at the planning stages,” added Duncan.
Parish councillor Bob Filmer added: “It was a useful event – we had a good turnout and generally positive comments.”
“That said, there were a few concerns remaining about the flooding risk and highways access on a corner, but people are mostly pleased to see a reduction in the units and understand why a scheme of affordable housing is needed.”
“If we don’t do a development like this, Brent Knoll will become a ‘dormitory village’ which no-one wants.”
“Currently, the cheapest homes for sale in the village are £250k so there is a real need for first-time buyers for these affordable properties.”
Paul Gardiner of EG Carter & Co Ltd added: “We saw a mixture of positive and negative feedback on the scheme, but we welcome the comments and want to be as transparent as possible.”
Representatives from EG Carter & Co Ltd, South Western Housing Society, GCP Architects, Brent Knoll Parish Council, Sedgemoor District Councillors and members of Sedgemoor District Council’s Affordable Housing Team were available to answer questions.
