Proposals for a hardware shop in Burnham-On-Sea town centre to be turned into a new development of flats have been rejected by Sedgemoor District Council this week.
Salways Hardware in Regent Street shut at the end of 2015 after almost 100 years of business but WE Salway Limited had sought planning permission to turn the property into six new flats.
Sedgemoor’s planning team rejected the application on Friday (April 28th), citing concerns that it would “hurt the character and appearance of the Burnham-On-Sea Conservation Area” and result in a “loss of footfall which would have an adverse impact on the viability and vitality particularly of the town centre.”
A spokesman said: “By virtue of the design of the proposed extension and conversion works, including the loss of key historical features, the development would cause substantial harm to the character and appearance of the Burnham-On-Sea Conservation Area.”
“By virtue of the loss of retail premises at ground floor level and in the absence of an appropriate marketing exercise that demonstrates otherwise, it is considered that the development would lead to the loss of footfall which would have an adverse impact on the viability and vitality particularly of the town centre resulting in a detrimental impact on the economy.”
“This proposal includes the extension of the building at the rear at first and second floor levels where it is immediately adjacent to other dwellings, particularly the neighbouring rooftop terrace. It is considered that the extensions would have an adverse impact on the amenities of the neighbouring residents by virtue of the unacceptable level of over-shadowing and visual domination.”
Burnham and Highbridge Town Council had also objected against the plans earlier this year, citing a loss of retail facilities.
The application was for a single one-bedroom flat and five two-bedroom flats, plus an extension to the south elevation and the creation of an enclosed courtyard.
