Proposals to convert a group of offices in Highbridge town centre into flats have been turned down by town councillors this week.
Members of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council’s Planning Applications Committee considered the plans on Monday to change the use of 1 and 1A Church Street from first-floor offices into four one-bed flats, while retaining the commercial use of the ground-floor.
During the meeting, Cllr Bill Hancock said: “There’s always going to be a need for offices in Highbridge. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. I would prefer to see them stay for another 6-12 months to see whether there is any demand.”
Cllr Louise Parkin added: “I would question this number of flats in such a small location – it would be an over-development.”
And Cllr John Parkes said: “This is yet another example of where business accommodation would be lost to flats. It would be an over-development with too many flats in such a small space.”
The premises was previously home to the Brue Drainage Board until it moved to another premises in nearby Market Street.
Councillors agreed to object against the plans, citing a loss of business amenity and over-development, however the final decisions sits with Sedgemoor District Council.
