Burnham-On-Sea is at risk of “stagnating” unless hundreds of new homes are built on ‘green field sites’ during the town over the next two decades, a senior town councillor has warned this week.
Cllr Neville Jones said Burnham risks missing out on hundreds of thousands of pounds of funding from property developers if more ‘green field’ sites are not earmarked for new homes.
He made the comments during a town council meeting on Monday (November 1st), where councillors reviewed their draft response to Sedgemoor’s Core Strategy Local Development Framework, which sets out development in the area until the year 2026.
Cllr Jones said: “If another 400 homes are built in North Burnham on ‘green field sites’ like the land off Stoddens Lane, the town can secure vital 106 agreements from the developers, bringing us new community funding and facilities,” he said.
“If not, Burnham may simply stagnate and not develop any further. The funding will go to Bridgwater. This is a very important moment for the town’s future.”
Town councillors were split on how they should respond to the scheme. They voted by eight to seven in favour of not recommending green field development in Burnham, much to the disappointment of Cllr Jones.
The Draft Core Strategy document is available for comment until 22nd November. Details of how to comment can be found on the district council’s web site.
