Plans to convert an open field on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea into several new football pitches were rejected by Sedgemoor planners on Tuesday (August 14th).
Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report in June that Burnbridge Wanderers Junior Football Club had applied for full permission to convert agricultural land opposite Middle Burnham Cottage in Stoddens Lane into recreational facilities.
The application involved the formation of several new football pitches, access and car parking, plus the siting of a portacabin for changing rooms.
The proposals were considered by Sedgemoor District Council’s development control committee on Tuesday (August 14th) and were rejected, despite a petition being signed by 400 people backing the scheme and having won the approval of Burnham Without Parish Council.
Club Chairman Frank Neill, pictured, had told Burnham-On-Sea.com earlier this year: “We’re based at the nearby BASC ground at the moment, but often find it difficult to schedule matches during the summer when car boots and other sports, such as cricket, are held.”
“We’d really like our own ground, which is why this application has been submitted. The field’s owner is very supportive and understands how much it would mean to us,” he added.
Burnbridge Wanderers were founded in 1999 and have over 170 young members aged between 6 and 16.
Sedgemoor Planning Inspector Chris Gomm said in his report to the development control committee: “There can be no objection in principle to the provision of additional sports fields for community use in the Burnham-On-Sea area.”
“The principle issue is therefore whether or not the proposed Stoddens Lane site is an appropriate site for these new facilities to be located.”
“The Stoddens Lane site is not a suitable location in planning terms. The site is outside of the town, and while it may well be the case that there is no suitable land available within the town, an isolated country location is not the solution.”
“The change of use of the isolated agricultural field would be to the detriment of the rural character of the area, significantly harm the landscape and further erode the countryside.”
