CONTROVERSIAL plans for a derelict bank to be turned into flats have been rejected just weeks after the plans were supported by town councillors. 

The plans were rejected by Sedgemoor District Council due to concerns over parking and the building being at high risk of flooding due to its location.

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council said: "The proposal does not incorporate adequate turning facilities to enable a vehicle to enter and leave the highway in forward gear and adequate provision cannot be made on the site for the parking of vehicles in a satisfactory manner, which is essential to highway safety.

"The application site is located in Flood Zone 3, an area deemed by the Environment Agency as being at a high risk of flooding and is at risk from both fluvial and tidal sources according to the Environment Agency Flood Map. 

"The River Brue runs behind the proposed development.

"The risk to life and/or property from tidal inundation would be unacceptable as the site would be within an area which is considered to be at risk to possible deep tidal flooding should the defences be breached or overtopped."

The news comes just a week after Burnham and Highbridge town councillors voted unanimously to back the proposals for four new flats at the old Nat West bank at a planning committee meeting on February 21 on the grounds they felt the site would be better used if developed rather than empty.

 It is not yet known what will occupy the site.