Plans to build more than 200 new homes in Highbridge have this week been given a chilly reception after planners objected to two schemes which they claim will lead to over development and traffic safety problems.
Speaking at the latest meeting of the Burnham and Highbridge planning committee, councillors said the proposals at Worston Road and Springfield Road represent “over development”.
The plans to construct 169 new dwellings, within two and three storey buildings near to the proposed new Asda store at Springfield Road, were not welcomed by the committee.
“Members were extremely disappointed with the over development of this area and lack of ‘proper’ housing. This application is predominantly for apartments; members could only count 26 houses and 169 dwellings,” a spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“For a development of this size, this is a large volume of people. Whilst members are aware that the roundabout has to be built before the development is started, this is a necessity. The Town Council are concerned that there are no amenities for local residents, such as sports and recreation facilities.”
“There is also concern that a large volume of people in a development of this type would also overload the overcrowded educational and medical facilities in the area.”
With respect to the plans to build 45 dwellings on land north of Worston Road, the committee also aired concerns about traffic safety.
“Members considered this to be an over development of the site, which would result in severe traffic congestion. Access onto the site from the A38 is extremely dangerous, especially bearing in mind other development in the area. Worston Lane is extremely narrow at this point, and members have real concerns over traffic safety.”
Sedgemoor planners will now review the two applications at their next meeting.
