The final countdown is underway to a referendum in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge that will give local people a say on whether a new Neighbourhood Plan is adopted.
Residents are being encouraged to vote in the referendum on September 20th to decide whether the 2014-2032 Plan should be formally accepted as part of the planning policy for the area.
Speaking on behalf of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council, Councillor Phil Harvey, who chaired the group of residents who drew up the Plan, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “If the majority of residents’ vote ‘yes’ to the Plan on September 20 it will help us to create together a wonderful environment to live, work and play in, that is fit for the 21st century and beyond.”
“By having our own Plan we’ll be able to have some control over our two town centres and have our say on what new buildings and homes would look like. In addition, we would influence what infrastructure should be provided. Sedgemoor District Council would be obliged to use the Plan when determining future planning applications for the towns.”
“However, if the majority vote ‘no’ in the referendum we will not be able to adopt the Plan and only Sedgemoor policies will apply, as they currently do now.”
“Our Plan would bring real benefits for the whole community. It includes protection of our area’s important open spaces from inappropriate development by designating them as ‘local green spaces’. This will give extra protection to Apex Park, Burnham Road playing fields and Southwell Gardens in Highbridge and Marine Cove, Manor Gardens, Crosses Pen and South Esplanade Lawns in Burnham, so they can be enjoyed and used as they should be for generations to come.”
“The Plan will be good for business and employment too by supporting the retention of retail and work opportunities in Highbridge town centre. There’s support as well for ‘green’ policies in the new Isleport Business Park and with any new housing being built. For example, there is encouragement for the provision of points for charging electric cars.”
“In Burnham, the Plan covers, in any redevelopment proposed, the retention of the best aspects of the High Street area and provides details on establishing a ‘Town Square’ in Princess Street. There are strategies to ensure that, in any redevelopment of Pier Street car park, the whole car park is covered by a comprehensive over-arching scheme.”
“Our Neighbourhood Plan also aims to enhance the environment for local residents with policies to ensure that new housing is built to high design standards with priority given to pedestrians and cyclists, and the creation of networks of streets, paths and accesses, which are pleasant and safe to use. In addition, flood mitigation measures would be put in place to protect new homes and businesses.”
The referendum to decide whether the proposed Neighbourhood Plan should be adopted as part of the planning policy in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge takes place on Thursday, September 20th.
“It’s very important for everyone in the area to cast their vote on September 20, so local residents can have a say in the future of the area, how it is shaped and how it grows. We can also help ensure our environment is protected and enhanced, that businesses continue to thrive and that the community can be kept safe for the benefit of all and to enable our children and grandchildren to flourish.”
The Plan in full can be seen online here. Copies can also be viewed at the Town Council offices, Burnham Library, Highbridge Library, Highbridge Community Hall, Burnham’s seafront tourist information centre, and Burnham Community Centre in Berrow Road.
The Neighbourhood Plan is a community initiative and non-political and must always be referred to as thus. It covers three topics: Highbridge, Central Burnham and Housing.
Highbridge policies include:
Extend the designated shopping zone to include the southern end of Church Street.
Control redevelopment in the urban area.
Redevelop the land next to the railway line behind the Co-op to include employment.
Ensure the local community benefits from the new Isleport Business Park.
Protect Apex Park, Burnham Road playing fields and Southwell Gardens from inappropriate development.
Encourage new residential development to include toddlers’ play areas.
Central Burnham polices include:
Extend the shopping area northwards.
Set design standards for new or altered shop fronts.
Set criteria for redevelopment proposals.
Set out policies for any redevelopment that may occur at Pople’s Yard, Pier Street car park or the Learning Centre and Town Square in Princess Street.
Protect Marine Cove, Manor Gardens, Crosses Pen and South Esplanade Lawns from inappropriate development.
Housing policies include:
Set criteria for the design of the street scene and for designing out crime.
Make residential development safe from flood risk.
Give preference to pedestrians and cyclists over cars in new developments.
Encourage sustainable transport and provision for electric car charging points.
Pictured: (Back row from left to right) Conservative Councillor for Burnham-on-Sea North, Peter Clayton, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Burnham-on-Sea Central, Phil Harvey and Parish Clerk for Burnham Without Parish Council, Richard Young with (front row, left) the Independent Mayor of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge, Bill Hancock and (front row, right) Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Town Clerk, Tatiana Cant.
