Town councillors have this week raised a number of formal objections against controversial plans to demolish an industrial park in Highbridge and replace it with 62 new homes.
Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported here last month that developer Property Link is seeking full planning permission to build 62 dwellings on the site of Morland Industrial Park in Morland Road.
The plans comprise of two four-bedroom properties, 27 three-bedroom properties, 27 two-bedroom properties and 6 one-bedroom properties.
At a meeting of the Town Council’s Planning Applications Committee on Wednesday (August 14th), councillors voted to object against the scheme.
Cllr Pat Burge said: “There’s lots of concern that many of the businesses currently based at the site will move have to move away and out of Highbridge, taking vital jobs with them out of the town.”
Cllr Helen Groves added: “Highbridge already has one of the highest unemployment rates in Sedgemoor and this development could well take away jobs that the town badly needs. We must object on the grounds of loss of business to the town.”
Cllr Bill Hancock agreed, adding: “I’m against the plans 100%. If the scheme gets the go-ahead then Sedgemoor should be asked to find new locations for the businesses currently based there.”
Other concerns raised included limited car parking, a lack of children’s play facilities in the area and a conflict with Sedgemoor’s core strategy.
Councillors decided to “strongly object” against the scheme. Sedgemoor District Council’s planning department is currently inviting comments, with feedback accepted until August 20th. The planning application number is 11/13/00078.
