Town councillors have this week been reassured by a local conservation officer that positive talks are being held with the owner of the fire-ravaged Highbridge Hotel regarding long-awaited repairs to the property.
Catherine Saunders, Sedgemoor District Council’s Conservation Officer, addressed Burnham and Highbridge Town Council’s Planning Applications Committee on Tuesday evening (May 5th), when she said that regular meetings are being held with the developers.
Burnham and Highbridge Mayor Peter Burridge-Clayton told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “She is holding weekly meetings with representatives from Mead Realisations to ensure that any necessary demolition work is carried out with a view to preserving the façade of what is a Grade II listed building, and furthermore, should any of it be damaged during the necessary demolition work, then the owners would be required to restore it.”
“In addition, safety is of paramount importance and it is vital to ensure that the building is safe before work can commence.”
“With regard to the security of the site, the town council has received assurances from the Conservation Officer that Mead Realisations has done all it reasonably can to make the site secure and that the site is inspected every two days.”
“I can assure members of the public that the Town Council are as keen as local residents to see this site re-built as soon as possible, but are conscious also that this must be done with the full co-operation of conservation experts.”
It comes after the property, pictured, was left in an unstable condition following a huge fire in April 2008. It has been boarded up ever since and nearby residents and councillors are keen to see its appearance improved.
Mr Mead told Burnham-On-Sea.com in September that he wants to restore the listed building to its former glory.
