Plans for a major development of 130 new homes in Highbridge are set to go on show at a public consultation event on Monday (June 18th).
As first reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com here, local property developer Toni Hammick plans to transform a publicly-owned field into a new development of ‘affordable’ homes on land between Lakeside and the Isleport Business Park.
The consultation event, which is open to all, will be held at Highbridge Community Centre from 3-6pm on Monday when the developer will be on hand to answer questions, discuss the plans and hear feedback on the scheme.
Nearby residents say they are unhappy about the lack of notice for the consultation event.
Resident Linda Greenland told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We are very unhappy at the lack of advance notice for this important event – we have only heard about it a few days beforehand. It does feel to us as though the plans are being pushed through as quickly as possible.”
“There are many issues outstanding on this land which are unresolved, such as the Conservation Order on the field and boundary questions. These cannot be just brushed aside.”
Denzil Clarke, pictured, is leading a new group of residents called the ‘Lakeside Residents Public Open Space Committee’ to air their opnions and “ensure their views are properly considered.” Over 30 residents are in the group.
It comes amid concern at the poor condition of a public footpath running alongside the proposed development site which residents believe is being “deliberately run down” to strengthen the argument for the new housing development.
Local property developer Toni Hammick, pictured, recently revealed her ‘concept plans’ for the site in March. They a development of ‘affordable’ homes on land between Lakeside and Isleport.
She admited the scheme “may be controversial” due to the proposed loss of a publicly-owned field. The site is owned by five owners, one of whom is Sedgemoor District Council.
“The loss of any public open space is always a very sensitive issue, but if we can provide quality open space then the reduction may be acceptable” she added, explaining that a fitness trail and children’s play area would be provided alongside the new homes.
“The field is under-used at the moment and is usually kept locked by Sedgemoor District Council to prevent anti-social behaviour,” said Toni, . “We are not proposing to put more ‘boxes’ here, but a bespoke development of affordable housing to fully suit the town’s needs.”
