Proposals to build 35 new retirement apartments on a derelict garage site in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea have been supported by councillors who say development is long overdue.
Property developer Abracore won approval in 2014 to build two blocks of three-storey buildings at the site of the former Tucker’s Garage in Victoria Street with the condition that a planning application for landscaping of the site be approved no more than three years after permission was granted.
Burnham and Highbridge Town Council’s planning committee has considered the developer’s ‘Reserved Matters’ planning application at its latest meeting and gacve their approval.
Cllr Louise Parkin said at the meeting that the development is “badly needed” since the site has been derelict for years, while Cllr Andy Brewer said the overhaul is “long overdue.”
Local resident Roger Bowring has submitted a letter of opposition to the plans, saying it does “not have enough parking spaces for the number of flats or visitors. There is very little extra parking available on the outside roads and this is a very busy area.”
Another resident, Mrs J Pettitt, says: “This is needed as the population is living longer and also it might free up houses or flats that older people would like to move out of but have nowhere to go or are in another town. This development would be perfect in the town centre.”
Sedgemoor Conservation Officer Charlotte Westwood has given her backing to the plans. “Only the entrance to the site is included within the Burnham Conservation Area. The proposals appear to only include landscaping details as requested as part of the appeal decision provided with the application. I can confirm that I have no objection to the proposals.”
The controversial application has previously divided local opinion – with some saying the planned development is ‘out of keeping’ with the surrounding area, while others say any development of the derelict site is welcome.
The site was previously occupied by the former Tucker’s Garage, pictured above, which was demolished ten years ago, as we featured here at the time.
Sedgemoor District Council is welcoming feedback on the scheme from residents until October 24th, when a decision will be made.
