Controversial plans by the owner of Burnham-On-Sea’s pier to retain a controversial sweet shop on the forecourt of the building look set to be rejected by the district council next week.
Sedgemoor District Council case officer Rebecca Miller has recommended that the planning application be turned down when councillors consider it on Tuesday (November 20th) due to it being out of keeping with the pier and surrounding buildings.
“The UPVC structure is not of a high quality sustainable and inclusive design that responds positively to and reflects the local characteristics of the site and the identity of the surrounding area,” she states.
“The development with a pitched roof, positioned at right angles to the main Pavilion and very nearly touching the fascia of the main building, and occupying a large footprint outside the building, materially detract from the heritage asset.”
Pavilion owner Cllr Louise Parkin, pictured, recently submitted a formal planning application to try and retain the building, supported by a petition of more than 1,100 customers.
At the same time, she resigned her role as a member of the Town Council’s Planning Applications Committee, which later considered her proposals and lodged an objection, saying the new building is not in keeping with the Victorian seafront.
Sedgemoor District Council requested earlier this year that the white conservatory be demolished because it was installed “without planning permission”.
However, Louise argued that it does not require permission because it is a ‘Permitted Development’ under UK planning laws for amusement parks. However, rather than embark on costly court action, she submitted the planning application to try and resolve the matter. It will be considered at Tuesday’s meeting in Bridgwater.
