Sedgemoor District Council’s Planning Committee has given planning permission to two Gypsy families living on a controversial site at Rooksbridge, near Burnham-On-Sea.
After a long-running debate about the site, the committee voted on Tuesday afternoon, April 4th, to give the green light to the families who already live on the site, together with open space on the remainder of the land previously occupied by gypsies and travellers.
The approval is subject to revisions to the boundary wall and details of the earth bund alongside the M5 motorway.
The committee also decided that there should be a maximum of four caravans on each plot to protect the amenities of nearby houses.
District council spokeswoman Claire Faun told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The committee had very careful regard to the issues and concerns raised by local residents in making their decision.”
“The agreement of planning permission is a very important milestone in the resolution of this long-running issue.”
District Council officers will now undertake the further work that is required before the planning permission can be issued, and provide detailed costs for the scheme, to allow Councillors to give final approval for it to go ahead.
Claire Faun added: “The Council is very hopeful that having now obtained planning permission, it can achieve a Government grant to reduce the cost to local council taxpayers.”
“The Council has already acquired the entire site, through the serving of a compulsory purchase order, on the basis that the planning permission had been submitted.”
“Initial clearance work has been undertaken, the first significant clear up in 16 years. Action would be taken against any additional occupation on the site.”
“The Council will continue to keep local people informed as the details of the scheme are developed, including how best to provide and maintain the open space that is part of the proposals.”
