Controversial plans for 47 new homes at Walrow in Highbridge have been given a thumbs down by town councillors this week.
At a meeting of the Planning Applications Committee on Tuesday evening (August 21), councillors spoke out against the plans – but a final decision had been delayed until next month.
As first reported here by Burnham-On-Sea.com, land to the north of Walrow in Walrow Road, Highbridge could be transformed into a mixture of new flats and houses if the scheme wins approval. The applicant, Flower & Hayes Ltd, is seeking full planning permisison to develop the 12,196 square metre site.
But town councillors this week expressed concern about the plans.
Cllr Nick Tolley said: “The applicant’s design and access statement document refers to the needs of the local community – but the community needs more services, not more houses. It needs more doctor surgeries, medical centres and more schools. They have a right nerve to say they are meeting the needs of the community.”
Cllr Andy Brewer, Chairman of the committee, admitted “the application has taken us by surprise a little”. He added that the lack of time for the public to have their say on the plans has prompted the Town Council to seek a time extension from Sedgemoor Distict Council.
Cllr John Parkes added: “The application was registered on August 10th and the earliest date that a decision can be made is September 14th. That doesn’t leave much time for residents to have their say. A number of residents have told me that the speed of this application beggars belief. If Sedgemoor wants to show good practice in engaging with the community you’d have thought they would have held a consultation period, especially given the experience at Lakeside.”
Cllr Nick Tolley said his principle comcern is around road safety: “To have 150 extra vehicles going in and out along this narrow stretch of road would be ridiculous. I just don’t see it is possible.”
Cllr Louise Parkin agreed: “Can we ask the Highways Department to review this site with a visit at peak time in the morning to understand the issue – it’s pointless them visiting at 2pm when the road is quiet.”
Cllr Brewer added: “There are valid concerns about road safety here.” However, he also pointed out: “The proposal does have some merits – there are plans for solar panels to be built into the south-facing roofs which is very good to see.”
During the meeting, Cllr Parkes also expressed concerns about potential flooding at the site. “I have been a survey which indicates there is regular flooding in this field every winter. With inadequate drainage, it could lead to flooding problems.”
Cllr Brewer encouraged councillors to look into the application further and to “look at the context with neighbouring houses in Walrow, the density, and the amenity space” before making a final decision.
Councillors decided not to make a decision on the scheme at Tuesday’s meeting, instead deferring it until their next meeting to allow more time for consulation. The final decision will rest with Sedgemoor District Council.
