A group of 15 Burnham-On-Sea residents has this week submitted formal letters to the Planning Inspectorate in opposition to controversial plans for 35 new flats in the centre of the town.
Property developer Abracore, which owns the former Tuckers Garage site in Victoria Street, wants to build 35 ‘retirement apartments’ in two blocks of buildings at the prominent location.
As first reported here last month, the firm has lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate to try and overturn a decision by Sedgemoor District Council last year to reject the plans.
Members of the recently-formed Tucker’s Garage Action Group have this week submitted letters of objection to the Planning Inspectorate to fight proposals to build the development and step up the pressure on a positive long-term future being found instead.
Alex Turco from Victoria Street business Positive Wealth Creation, who formed the action group, says they are keen to halt the development.
“All those who have joined our new group have signed letters which support Sedgemoor District Council’s decision to reject the scheme,” he told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“There is a real desire to see a mixed use for this prominent town centre site – with shops and accommodation around a focal point at this end of the town. So much more could be done to develop this site in a positve way.”
Residents and businesses in the area have previously noted a number of objections to the flats scheme, citing parking and over-development concerns and the negative impact on nearby firms.
A Burnham Chamber of Trade spokesman added: “We support the group’s opposition of this development – the extra vehicles and limited parking facilities at the site would put a real strain on the area, potentially reducing the footfall of shoppers in that part of town. We would like to see a positive, long-term scheme for the site in its place.”
Sedgemoor District Council previously rejected proposals for the site last July, but the developer came back with an updated scheme which it claimed addressed the comments – however the plans were rejected again last September.
The site was previously occupied by the former Tucker’s Garage, pictured above, which was demolished seven years ago, as we featured here.
