Multi-million pound plans for 550 new homes on this farmland in Highbridge were given the go-ahead on Tuesday (March 6th) – and the town is also set to receive a huge financial boost as part of the scheme.
Sedgemoor District Council’s Development Control Committee granted outline planning permission to Hallam Land Management to build the new development on the Brue Farm site on the southern side of the River Brue.
As part of the scheme, the developer has agreed to give £200,000 towards the regeneration of Highbridge to fund various town improvements – and the firm will also give £1million towards off-site affordable housing in the area.
The 64-acre site will include a new 210-pupil school plus outdoor playing facilities and public spaces – but, to the concern of town councillors, there are no plans for a much-needed new health centre.
Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council’s Clerk, Eileen Shaw, told Tuesday afternoon’s meeting that the Town Council has “real concerns” about the lack of new employment and health facilities to be provided at the site.
Hallam will be asked to build higher flood defences along the River Brue to protect the site from a major ‘one in 200 year’ flood.
It will also create a new cycle and footbridge over the River Brue to give fast access to the railway station.
Cllr Bob Filmer, who chairs the Development Control Committee, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The plans for this site have moved on significantly over the past year with good discussions with the developer. The £200,000 of funding should give the town a much-needed lift.”
Burnham and Highbridge councillor Dennis Davey added: “It’s nice to have a new development in Highbridge which is not simply more flats. While health services will be stretched further in the town, it is good that a new school is to be built.”
And Cllr Helen Groves told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I am certainly pleased to see investment in the town, but disappointed that the amount of affordable housing has been reduced.”
Sedgemoor District Council identified the site in 2010 as its preferred location for housing growth in the Burnham area.
