Plans for a controversial new development of 130 homes in Highbridge are set to go on show at a public consultation event in the town today (Monday).
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 when the developer will be on hand to answer questions, discuss the proposals and hear feedback on the scheme.
Denzil Clarke, pictured above, is leading a group of residents called the ‘Lakeside Residents Public Open Space Committee’ to “ensure their views are properly considered” in the planning process. Many of the 30 residents will be attending today’s meeting.
Local residents have already been expressing their concerns about the scheme during recent days on Burnham-On-Sea.com’s Facebook page.
Brenda Leman said: “The A38 is congested every evening. This development would only add to the problem.”
Tina Gregory added: “I live in Lakeside and will absolutely go to the meeting. Don’t agree with the development at all and will make my feelings completely clear. It should be left to the wildlife and the pathways cleared so people can actually enjoy a bit of wildlife in the middle of an already overbuilt area.”
Charlie Tillam said: “I will fight this all the way… I will get Greenpeace down. Anything to stop this going through, it’s long over due that the residents have the rights not the planners.”
Karen Clarke added: “Leave it as it is! Before long our wildlife will be extinct and it will become a concrete jungle.”
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 development.
Local property developer Toni Hammick, pictured, recently revealed her ‘concept plans’ for the site in March. The development of ‘affordable’ homes is on land between Lakeside and Isleport.
She admitted 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.”
