DRAINAGE and access concerns were raised about a developer's plans to build 74 homes at Brue Farm.

Developer Hallam Land Management submitted a reserved matters application to plans to build 74 homes and a foul water pumping station on the site on Huntspill Road, in Highbridge.

The plans are the first phase of major project to build 550 homes, a primary school, a nursery and associated highways on the site, which has lain derelict for a number of years.

At a planning committee meeting on Wednesday (October 10) Burnham and Highbridge Town councillors voiced their concerns about foul water on the site draining in to the River Brue.

Councillor John Parkes, said: "There have been a number of concerns expressed to me by residents on Market Street where the foul water will be released from the site given there was some flooding there last year.

"They said they felt the drainage board did not listen to their concerns.

"I am worried about what will happen to the foul water as the area is prone to flooding."

Councillor Andy Brewer echoed Cllr Parkes comments and said he hopes the developer's drainage strategy will be effective in stopping flooding.

"There is always a danger during extreme wet weather that foul water will run into the river with flood water," Cllr Brewer said.

"Wessex Water has spent millions of pounds over the last few years trying to stop foul water issues.

"We all remember TV pictures from last winter of flooding in other parts of the country and hope that never happens here."

The developer is also seeking planning permission to relocate the current public footpath running across the site to a new route which runs along the River Brue.

Cllr Parkes expressed concerns about the proposal and said he had fears it would create a 'template' for other footpath changes.

"Given all that is going on at Lakeside and Walrow, I would not like to put an agreement to something and set a precedent for other developments," Cllr Parkes said.

But Cllr Brewer said he thinks the new footpath would be a 'nice enhancement' to the area and urged councillors to support the plans.

Councillors unanimously voted to support the plans after they reviewed a statement from Somerset County Council's Rights of Way officer.

The officer's statement explained the conditions which will be put on the developer when they build the footpath.

The final decision on the application rests with Sedgemoor District Council.