TOWN councillors have stood by their objections against controversial plans to build 47 homes at a Highbridge beauty spot despite a fresh appeal from the developer.

Developer, Flower & Hayes, has submitted an appeal to the Secretary of State in a bid to get planning permission to build 14 two bed, 30 three bed and three four bedroom homes and 128 parking spaces on land to the north of Walrow Road in Highbridge.

On Monday (August 5) councillors from Burnham and Highbridge Town Council’s planning committee renewed their objections to the plans on the grounds of inadequate highways access, insufficient flood prevention measures, poor infrastructure, over-development of the site and detrimental impact on wildlife.

The town council and Sedgemoor District Council previously objected to the plans in March after opposition from residents with more than 120 people submitting objections and 25 people protesting outside the site in Walrow Road.

Cllr Andy Brewer, chairman of the town council’s planning committee, said: “The large amount of responses we had about this planning applications were almost unprecedented.

“The planning inspector will see our objections and I feel we have put forward a comprehensive list for them to review.”

Cllr Peter Clayton said: “I have nothing to add.

“I think we should maintain all of our previous objections.”

Councillors unanimously voted to renew their objections to the plans.

The plans will be reviewed by Sedgemoor District Council’s development committee before they go to a Government planning inspector.

Joy Russell, a resident who protested against the plans, said she is pleased the council has renewed their objections.

She said: “The appeal by the developers Flower & Hayes has begun and it’s great to have both the town council’s support and the Sedgemoor District Council decision to refuse permission on record.

“They have both been very thorough in their research and completely understood the problems that could escalate in this development’s location choice but it is the government inspector that will make the final decision.”