Plans to build 95 new homes at a former industrial park in Highbridge have been approved by town councillors this week.
A mixture of new bungalows and houses is proposed for the site of the former Delta Engineering company in Newtown Road, pictured here.
Toni Hammock from developer Property Link outlined the major proposals at a meeting of the Town Council’s Planning Applications committee on Monday evening (October 30th).
“We recognised there’s a need for more bungalows in Highbridge so 36 will be built here, even though developers generally don’t like them,” she said.
“We are trying to create a small community here, including open space with a nice green area to walk.”
“Our original application, granted in 2014, gave us approval for up to 105 dwellings but we don’t want to over-intensify the development so we’re looking at 95 dwellings instead.”
“There will be a nice spread of units across the site suitable for first-time buyers, families and the older population – with 59 houses and 36 bungalows.”
She added that the developer will provide a £105,000 contribution towards new flood defences in the town, plus £200,832 towards the local education budget.
Parking has been a concern for some local residents and the developer plans to provide 203 spaces across the site to address the concerns. She added that the Somerset Highways requirement is for 154 spaces. “We’ve over-provided, not under-provided,” she said.
She added that the plans align well with Sedgemoor District Council’s vision for the town and Burnham and Highbridge Town Council’s Neighbourhood Plan.
Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton agreed: “I support this – it totally fits in with the Neighbourhood Plan and Vision and it’s great to see contributions towards flood defences and education.”
Cllr Louise Parkin added: “I’m thrilled with the community being created here with a good mix of housing. It’s great that you have had the courage to build bungalows even though those are not as profitable as houses. Phenomenal.”
Cllr John Parkes agreed, adding: “You are to be applauded with this scheme when we have seen the over-development of sites so often elsewhere in Highbridge which is creating severe issues with our infrastructure.”
Cllr Nick Tolley said: “It is pleasing to see a moderate new development, not another concrete jungle.”
Town councillors voted unanimously in support of the scheme. Planning permission was previously granted for the scheme in December 2014 and this new application is a ‘reserved matters’ application for the site from Stratton Land Limited. The final decision rests with Sedgemoor District Council.
