Updated plans for 123 new homes at Highbridge’s Brue Farm development have been given the go-ahead by town councillors this week despite fresh concerns about the scheme.
The revised application from Keepmoat Homes and Homes England was considered by the Town Council’s Planning Applications Committee this week where it received luke-warm backing.
The housing plans see a proposed large block of flats at the front of the site being removed and replaced with a water pumping station.
“I’m pleased to see there are no more flats,” said Cllr Peter Clayton.
But Cllr John Parkes added: “While no more new flats are welcome, it amazes me that at the entrance to the town’s gateway development we will have an ugly pumping station. Crazy.”
Cllr Andy Brewer agreed that a “more aesthetically pleasing building would have been more welcome.”
Cllr Nick Tolley told the meeting he remains concerned about parking availability at the site: “The parking situation is crazy. I can see it being a race to get home at the end of the day for any available bit of tarmac in a few years’ time.”
Cllr Brewer said the developer aims to offer two parking spaces per property and a further 20 per cent of parking will be for visitors.
Cllr Louise Parkin said she feels the proposals “don’t look as bad as some of the plans for other sites we’ve recently seen in Highbridge,” adding that the proposals are not as over-developed.
Cllr Brewer agreed, saying it would be “difficult to argue against the scheme on planning grounds.”
Councillors agreed not to object against the plans.
Sedgemoor District Council is inviting comments on the application – ref 11/19/00028 – until April 12th, 2019. It will have the final say on whether the scheme goes ahead.
