PLANS to build 35 retirement apartments on a derelict site in Burnham-onSea have been supported by town councillors who say development on the site is long overdue.

Developer Abracore gained planning permission to build two, three-storey buildings made up of 35 apartments on the former Tucker’s Garage site, in Victoria Street, in 2014 on the condition a planning application for landscaping of the site was approved no more than three years after permission was granted.

Councillors from Burnham and Highbridge Town Council’s planning committee considered the developer’s reserved matters planning application at a meeting on October 4 and are now happy the plans make good use of the space.

But Sedgemoor District Council will have the final say on the proposals before development starts.

Cllr Louise Parkin said: “This development is badly needed as the site has been derelict for years.

“It is nice that retirement homes could be put there as we have an ageing population and they need homes.”

Councillors said the developers have taken on board comments made after they objected to the application during the initial stage in 2013 and said they have been generous with space when designing the entrance to the proposed complex.

The plans had caused concern among some residents with Burnham Chamber of Trade and St Andrew’s Church objecting to the plans over a perceived lack of parking.

Cllr Nick Tolley said: “The entrance into the proposed development is quite wide which allows enough space for vehicles to pass.

“I am pleased they have also listened to our concerns about parking and that there will be enough spaces for residents.”

Cllr Andy Brewer said he was pleased to support the development as he said filling the derelict site is “long overdue”.

Residents have until October 24 to comment on the application after which a decision will be made.