A controversial planning application for 13 new homes in Burnham-On-Sea looks set to be approved this week, despite concerns from residents and town councillors.
The application at 181 Berrow Road – which relates to a parcel of land located on the corner of Berrow Road and Naish Road – has been recommended for approval by the district council’s case officer.
It is set to be considered at a meeting of Sedgemoor’s Development Control Committee this Tuesday (December 14th).
Outline planning permission was granted in March 2008 for the residential redevelopment of the site and Redcliffe Homes later obtained detailed consent in October 2008.
The proposals originally included a number of garages located within a communal rear parking area, however the site was later purchased by Persimmon Homes, who do not wish to build the garages. A revised ‘reserved matters application’ has therefore been submitted to delete the garages from the development.
Several residents and Burnham and Highbridge Town Council have already objected to the application.
Town Council Clerk Eileen Shaw told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Properties surrounding the site have garages and therefore removing the garages on the development would result in the properties being out of keeping.”
“Members are also concerned to see that the paths and infrastructure in place so far on the site showed paths much higher than anticipated and this caused concern that the finished floor levels to the properties would be higher than laid down in the conditions.”
The Town Council also expressed concerns that the sewerage system in the area may not be able to handle additional waste from the new homes.
Nearby resident Barry Popham told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “This is another example of a mighty developer coming in and unveiling major plans without considering nearby residents.”
However, district council Case Officer Chris Gomm has recommended the proposals are granted consent at this week’s meeting.
In his report on the application, he states: “The design of the proposed scheme, including its layout and external appearance, is such that it will not harm the character or amenity of the surrounding residential area or be harmed by that area. The site can be safely and satisfactorily accessed and accommodates a satisfactory level of parking.”
Pictured, top, are Naish Road residents Barry Popham, John Bridgeman and Jim Hester and, above, the Berrow Court building site
