Controversial plans for a major new housing development on a former waste landfill site in Burnham-On-Sea were approved on Tuesday (August 6th) despite more than 40 objections from nearby residents.
Persimmon Homes’ plans for 48 new homes to the west of Lawrence Close and north of Wallace Wells Road were approved by councillors at Sedgemoor District Council’s Development Control Committee meeting.
Persimmon will be required to make a financial contribution of £280,000 towards the final cost of remediating the adjacent former landfill site – the same as Bloor Homes, who are currently developing the adjacent site.
However, due to the size of the contribution, the developer will not be required to provide affordable housing on the site or make financial contributions towards childrens playspace, outdoor sports facilities or education facilities.
Over a dozen concerned residents attended the meeting, held in Burnham’s Princess Theatre, following a four year-campaign to halt the development.
Resident Roger Bowring told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We’re certainly disappointed that the plans have been approved, but we’re pleased to have got a number of concessions from the developer.”
“The original plans back in 2009 were for 70 homes, but the new scheme has been reduced to 48 thanks to pressure from residents.”
“Persimmon has also changed the design of some of the proposed homes, making them more traditional and in keeping with those already in place around the site.”
A total of 44 residents wrote letters of objection to the council, and both Burnham Without Parish Council and Burnham and Highbridge Town Council also lodged their own formal objections. The concerns included over-development, ‘out of keeping’ homes, flooding issues and loss of privacy.
This week’s approval comes after two previous failed bids in 2009 and 2010 when larger schemes were thrown out.
The Environment Agency and Internal Drainage Board had withdrawn their earlier objections, subject to a legal agreement and planning conditions being agreed to resolve the off-site and on-site drainage works.
Planning officer Chris Gomm recommended the new scheme be granted permission. He said: “The development will be beneficial to the character and appearance of the surrounding development and will ensure that a poorly maintained committed residential site is replaced by well-designed, quality urban form.”
