Both of Burnham-On-Sea’s lighthouses have been included on a list of ‘special interest buildings’ which councillors have this week recommended be included in the town’s extended Burnham’s conservation area.
Members of the town’s planning committee drew up a recommended list of over 15 buildings that should be protected by the extended conservation area – and on Monday (March 5th), the full council approved the list.
A spokesman said: “The Town Council welcomes the proposals for the extension of the Conservation area for Burnham-On-Sea and would like to see several buildings included as ‘buildings of special interest’.”
They include The Customs House on The Esplanade, which despite having been greatly altered in recent years, “members hope that grants could be offered to encourage its restoration.”
Furthermore, The Old Pier Tavern in Pier Street has also been put forward due, in part, to its “interesting facade.”
In the Victoria Street area, the Ritz Cinema, Round Tower at the former Tucker’s Garage and the Post Office have all been suggested, along with the building known as the ‘Lifeboat’ on the corner of Victoria Street and Regent Street.
“Members also hope that the inclusion of the jetty could help to attract grants for its future maintenance. The jetty was in the past connected to the former lifeboat station in Pier Street by a railway line and members would also like the Old Lifeboat Station included,” added the spokesman.
Burnham’s War Memorial Hospital in Love Lane has also been suggested, plus La Retraite in Jaycroft Road, The Old Library in Adam Street and both the town’s lighthouses.
The Princess and the Old Princess Street School (now the Community Education Centre) are currently awaiting suggestions for the development of the area as part of the Cultural and Learning Quarter – and are also on the list.
Several other well-known Burnham landmarks are already included in Sedgemoor District Council’s Conservation Plan, which can be viewed online.
