Plans to build four new homes in the grounds of a Burnham-On-Sea nursing home have been rejected by district councillors this week amid concern that the scheme would result in the loss of protected trees and adversely affect the character of the surrounding area.
Land to the south of Burnham Nursing Home in Oxford Street, pictured, had been earmarked for the development of four new detached homes by the owners, County Court Care.
However, the bid for outline planning permission was turned down by Sedgemoor District Council’s Development Control Committee on Tuesday (November 21st).
Councillors voted to refuse the scheme after deciding the application “would result in the loss of a number of trees, currently protected by a Tree Preservation Order, which are considered to contribute to the setting of the existing building as well as the adjacent street scene. Their removal would have an adverse impact on the character of the area.”
“The local authority is also not satisfied that the development would be acceptable relative to the character of the area or the amenity of neighbouring residents.”
Sedgemoor’s case officer Shanta Parsons added: “It has not been satisfactorily demonstrated that four detached dwellings could be accommodated on the site without impacting detrimentally on the protected trees and the character of the area.”
The district council’s view is contrary to the opinion of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council.
Pictured: The red highlighted area shows the site of the proposed homes
The Town Council’s Planning Applications Committee – which initially raised safety concerns about the scheme – said: “Our original objections have been addressed, therefore we would now like to support the application on the grounds of meeting local housing needs. It is an appropriate development for the location.”
The care home owners had planned to widen the entrance onto Oxford Street by demolishing part of the boundary wall to make its access easier and safer.
