Over 30 residents opposed to a controversial development of ten new homes near Burnham-On-Sea flocked to a meeting on Thursday (May 23rd) as district councillors visited the site.
It comes after Sedgemoor District Council’s planning officer recommended the scheme in West Huntspill be approved despite more than 80 objections from local residents, as reported here.
The applicant is seeking for outline planning permission to build 10 detached dwellings on land next to Alstone Lane and Alstone Gardens.
Villagers attended Thursday’s visit by members of the council’s Development Control Committee, as pictured, to make their opposition known.
Residents say they are concerned that the proposed development would cause flooding and traffic issues in the area.
Local resident Alastair Murray, who attended the meeting, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I have been the longest objector to any development on the site – for previous plans in the front garden and behind the ‘Lake Settlement Site’. My objections date back to 1988.”
“I actually thought Thursday’s meeting was well conducted and fair. Occasionally, several of the objectors shouted out a few words of disgust at the idea of the development, but in general it was a peaceful and quite constructive meeting.”
“Ward councillor Chris Williams was present and I thought spoke well. Flooding is one of the main objections of residents, followed by road traffic problems.”
A West Huntspill Parish Council spokesman said: “Residents inform us of the very poor drainage in this area and there have been several floods over the last 30 years. The drainage system would need to be surveyed and rectified if any housing development were to take place in this area.”
“Traffic generation and road safety are also of concern to residents, but the Parish Council will leave this area to Highways to consider as it is their area of expertise.”
Sedgemoor District Council’s planning officer, Chris Gomm, has recommended the scheme is approved and, following this week’s site visit, councillors will meet again shortly to make a decision on the plans.
