Plans to build 95 new homes at a former industrial park in Highbridge have been given final approval by Sedgemoor District Council.
A mixture of new bungalows and houses is proposed for the site of the former Delta Engineering company in Newtown Road, pictured here.
Sedgemoor District Council’s planning team has approved the reserved matters application from applicant Stratton Land Ltd for 95 new homes at the site. 59 houses and 36 bungalows will be built there.
The decision brings to an end many years of discussions over the future of the site.
Toni Hammock from developer Property Link told a recent meeting of the Town Council’s Planning Applications committee: “We recognised there’s a need for more bungalows in Highbridge so 36 will be built here.”
“We are trying to create a small community here, including open space with a nice green area to walk.”
“Our original application, granted in 2014, gave us approval for up to 105 dwellings but we don’t want to over-intensify the development so we’re looking at 95 dwellings instead.”
“There will be a nice spread of units across the site suitable for first-time buyers, families and the older population – with 59 houses and 36 bungalows.”
She added that the developer will provide a £105,000 contribution towards new flood defences in the town, plus £200,832 towards the local education budget.
Parking has been a concern for some local residents and the developer plans to provide 203 spaces across the site to address the concerns.
Cllr Peter Clayton said: “I support this – it totally fits in with the Neighbourhood Plan and Vision and it’s great to see the contributions towards flood defences and education.”
Cllr John Parkes agreed, adding: “You are to be applauded with this scheme when we have seen the over-development of sites so often elsewhere in Highbridge which is creating severe issues with our infrastructure.”
Cllr Nick Tolley said: “It is pleasing to see a moderate new development, not another concrete jungle.”
Town councillors voted in support of the scheme and Sedgemoor District Council has now given its consent for the scheme.
