A major £20,000 project to create a new Neighbourhood Plan for Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge was given the go-ahead by town councillors last night (Monday).
They voted in favour of proceeding with the scheme after more than 20 local people, some of whom are pictured above, gave their backing to the project at an open meeting last week.
New powers under the 2011 Localism Act allow residents to decide the future shape of the two towns, from choosing the type of new homes and shops, to having a say on housing, health, business issues and more.
The council voted in favour of ‘submitting an application to Sedgemoor District Council to designate the complete parish of Burnham and Highbridge a Neighbourhood Planning area’.
Cllr Helen Groves, who has been involved with the work to compile the plan for the last two and a half years, said after Monday’s vote: “Finally we have real democracy in Burnham and Highbridge!”
A new steering group, comprising of residents and a small number of councillors, will shortly be formed to start the work of compiling the plan.
During Monday’s meeting, councillors voted in favour by a large majority, with two abstentions.
Cllr Phil Harvey said: “The plan gives residents a significant say in how Sedgemoor’s development framework is interpreted in Burnham and Highbridge over the next 15 years. It’s taken two and a half years of work by Helen, Chris Williams and I to get to this point – we are incredibly passionate about this and believe this is the right way forward for our two parishes.”
Cllr Neville Jones said: “It gives me faith that there is genuine interest out there in starting the work. I do have concerns, though, the work will not be completed in the £20,000 budget.”
And Cllr Louise Parkin added: “It concerns me that residents don’t understand the needs of businesses. It’s vital that if this goes ahead the business view is fairly reflected and considered. Without commerce, our town will die.”
Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton said: “I do question whether the Neighbourhood Plan will deliver what’s hoped or whether it will stifle growth. But there is public support for this and we must move this forward, providing that proper reporting and financial controls are put in place.”
Cllr Dennis Davey added: “There is support in the town for a Neighbourhood Plan so we should go forward. My only concern is cost – what happens if the project goes beyond the £20,000 and the inspector refuses the plan? The overall costs could be double that planned.”
And Cllr Ken Smout said: “We have to weigh up the benefits here against the costs for the tax payer and I think we should be seen to be moving forward. The ‘terms of reference’ will be so important here and we need to ensure that the right message goes out on this project in the local media.”
Cllr Michael Clarke added: “I was in the ‘against’ camp on this, but it’s good to see that momentum for the plan has grown. My only concern is around finance and ensuring that controls are in place and that we have regular updates on the project’s progress.”
Cllr Chris Williams said: “I am very pleased to see the cross-party support this evening and the backing last week from residents. This is an important step for Burnham and Highbridge.”
Cllr Kate Lawson added: “I think this is a marvellous chance for local people to shape their towns over the years to come.”
Cllr Helen Groves said she fully understands the “very valid” concerns about costs and the business impact and that these points would be addressed by the project.
Cllr Tom Nicholls also gave his support to the scheme, saying: “I am so pleased with the support shown tonight and the positive tone.”
Mayor Martin Cox added: “I am impressed with the enthusiasm shown to take this forward. Like some other councillors, I am a bit concerned that the costs could escalate. We need to carefully assess the progress and momentum or I can easily see the costs reaching £60,000 if left to run away.”
Cllr Phil Harvey said the steering group would report back regularly to the Town Council on progress and that it would work closely with other groups, including Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade to ensure the business view is considered.
The council agrred it would make a budget provision to ccomplete the plan.
