Controversial plans to demolish a business park in Highbridge and replace it with 62 new homes have been given the go-ahead this week.
At a meeting in Bridgwater on Tuesday afternoon (October 1st), members of Sedgemoor District Council’s Development Control Committee voted by seven votes to three to approve the re-development of Morland Industrial Park.
Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported here in July that developer Property Link was seeking full planning permission for the scheme despite concerns from several residents and businsses.
Burnham and Highbridge Town Council said in September that it was opposed to the plans on the basis that jobs could be lost if firms move away.
Highridge councillor Pat Burge, who spoke at Tuesday’s meeting, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “This is a very important site for Highbridge and I’m disapppointed at the decision. Several new things came to light during the meeting when Toni Hammick from Property Link said that the firms had all been given notice that the site would close at the end of December. Also, we were told that the County Council does not believe that access onto the new housing development would cause any problems which was one of our concerns.”
But Burnham-On-Sea councillor Dennis Davey said he is pleased about the decision. “I voted in favour of the plans at the meeting – I think it will tidy up an old site and bring much-needed affordable homes to the town. I think it’s a good scheme for Highbridge.”
The plans comprise of two four-bedroom properties, 27 three-bedroom properties, 27 two-bedroom properties and 6 one-bedroom properties.
Cllr Chris Williams, who was not able to attend Tuesday’s meeting, told Burnham-On-Sea.com after the decision: “My main concern is that the businesses at the site will move away and take vital job opportunities out of the town.”
