‘Nun clause' changed by Burnham YMCA (From This is The West Country)

‘Nun clause' changed by Burnham YMCA

3:30pm Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News By Kirsty James

AN ANCIENT planning condition which meant an extension at Burnham’s YMCA could only be used by nuns has been changed.

The YMCA is converting the Congregation of La Retraite convent on Jaycroft Road into youth accommodation but a condition stated part of the building must be used as a nun’s house.

The group was granted permission last month by Sedgemoor District Council to change it to allow the extension to be used as a shared house for the YMCA.

Martin Hodgson, YMCA chief executive, told the Weekly News: “Thanks to the permission being granted we now have five young people staying in there.

“We’ve also been able to open it up to the community more and there are currently three groups benefiting from the space, one of which is a Knit and Natter group. They can learn a new skill and have a chat.

“We’ve had a lovely, quiet Christmas and we’d like to thank our neighbours for their support. They’ve really engaged with us and we look forward to the year ahead at Burnham’s YMCA.”

The charity responded to a growing need in the area for youth accommodation and the extension will allow the charity to keep young people close to their families and friends.

For more information call Angie Moreau on 01278-726034.