Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge residents who have applied for postal votes in September’s Neighbourhood Planning Referendum are to receive new polling cards to a printing error.
Sedgemoor District Council has issued a statement to clear up confusion after the printing issue was reported to them.
Spokeswoman Claire Faun told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “An error at the printers has meant that people who have registered for a postal vote have received a normal poll card for the forthcoming Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge area Neighbourhood Planning Referendum, due to be held on Thursday, 20th September. This poll card advised them to go to the polling station on 20th September.”
“However, the correct postal poll cards will be sent in the first class post today. This card will advise them that they have registered for a postal vote and that they will receive their ballot paper in the post on 7th September.”
She added that the printing error would not result in an extra cost to taxpayers.
Residents are being encouraged to vote in the referendum on September 20th to decide whether the 2014-2032 Plan should be adopted as part of the planning policy for the area.
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.
