There has been a mixed reaction to fresh proposals to turn a derelict garage site in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea into a new development of 35 retirement aparatments.
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. It comes after Sedgemoor District Council had initially rejected the plans in 2013, but Abracore appealed against the decision through the Planning Inspectorate and got the judgement overturned to win outline planning permission.
Now, with just days remaining before the three-year approval lapses, Abracore has submitted a ‘reserved matters application’ to seek consent for its landscaping plans for the site. The plans outline its intended use of paving, kerbs, edging and flagstones.
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.”
But 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 backing to the plans this week: “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 the development of the derelict site is long overdue and welcome.
Residents have until October 24th, 2017 to submit feedback to Sedgemoor District Council on the landscape plans – the application reference number is 11/17/00124/STP.
The site was previously occupied by the former Tucker’s Garage, pictured above, which was demolished ten years ago, as we featured here.
One nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said this week: “Some of us thought Abracore had forgotten about this site – it’s been three years since they won the approval and they hadn’t submitted any further plans until now. Let’s see if they take it to the next stage.”
