Proposals to convert this run-down property in the centre of Highbridge into new flats have this week prompted objections from councillors and local residents.
Members of the Town Council’s Planning Applications Committee gave a ‘thumbs down’ to the plans to convert and extend two homes at 29-30 Church Street to form four dwellings when they met on Tuesday (May 5th).
Three formal letters of objection have also been received from local residents and councillors decided to “strongly object” to the proposals, which have been made by property owner Mead Realisations.
A Town Council spokeswoman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Members strongly objected to this application and consider the addition of two dwellings at the rear of the property to be an overdevelopment of the site.”
“The Town Council has argued consistently that no more flats are needed in Highbridge and it had been recognised by a senior officer at the District Council that family dwellings and not flats are required in Highbridge to redress the balance of accommodation.”
“Whilst adequate parking is available at the rear of the properties, the access by vehicles is by a private lane that is not maintained by the District Council or County Council and requires vehicles to slow to 10mph or less when turning off the main A38, slowing up a very busy stretch of road, which in itself would give safety concerns.”
Cllr Chris Williams, pictured above outside the property, added: “Many local residents are unhappy and have a lot of concern about these proposals, particularly regarding access from the road and the possibility of 10 extra cars being parked here.”
The Town Council has asked for a site meeting by Sedgemoor’s planning committee before any decision is made.
Our photo shows Cllr Chris Williams outside the property in Highbridge
