.HOW THE HIGHBRIDGE HOTEL WOULD LOOK:
As first reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com here last month, the new plans would see the hotel building being redeveloped into 2 studio flats, 5 4-bed flats plus new accommodation for the YMCA. There will be a new coffee shop open to the public inside. The ‘historic’ architecture of the hotel building’s frontage will be retained.
The former cattle market site behind the hotel will see 59 residential homes being built, including 23 three-bedroom homes, 31 two-bedroom homes and 5 two-bedroom flats.
The property developer behind a new £11million project to regenerate the fire-ravaged Highbridge Hotel says he’s pleased with the ‘mostly positive’ feedback on the proposals.
Over 100 people attended a public consultation event in Highbridge on Thursday where the new plans went on show for the first time.
Hotel owner Derek Mead, pictured at the event, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “There has been mixed feedback to the scheme, but it’s been mostly positive. There will always be some negative comments, but I think most people see this as a good chance to tidy up the site.”
He added: “I would have liked to have created more new jobs here with a more commercial scheme but it’s been a real effort to get this going in this economic climate.”
“We approached all the major franchise chains without success. Several who showed interest pulled out.”
“I’m pleased with the scheme that’s been put forward – it’s great to have the YMCA onboard with some community facilities – and I hope we can get it moving now.”
The plans attracted a wide variety of feedback during Thursday’s consultation session. The general consensus was that after five years, residents are keen to see the ‘eyesore’ hotel given a makeover. Read the opinions of people at Thursday’s drop-in session here.
Residents can still submit feedback on the plans, whether to support or object to the scheme, together with their reasons. This can also be done online through the council’s planning website using the reference number 11/13/00028.
Stuart Martin from Sedgemoor District Council said the £11million project involves multiple stakeholders and has involved lengthy negotiations. “This is a big project that involves Sedgemoor District Council, the YMCA, Knightstone Housing, Bovis, Mead Realisations and the Homes and Communities Agency.”
How the new Highbridge housing development will look if it’s approved
RELATED LINKS:
Residents give mixed opinions on the new Highbridge Hotel scheme
