The plans were labelled 'a joke' by one town councillor as another claimed it takes three weeks to get an appointment at the medical centres.

Burnham and Highbridge Town Council's Planning Committee members voted unanimously against the proposals for new homes to the east of Isleport Lane, near the Isleport Business Park, at a meeting last night (February 21). 

Isleport Business Park 

The new homes are part of Sedgemoor District Council's Local Plan, which could see more than 600 homes built around Burnham and Higbridge. 

Cllr John Parkes said at the meeting: "Highbridge is fast becoming the new housing capital of the south west. 

"Here we go again considering extra dwellings without extra facilities, it is a joke. 

"There are particular demands on infrastructure in the local area, including high demand on medical facilities and the schools."

The town councillors said they feel there are not enough schools and medical centres to cope with the new demands the project would bring. 

Cllr Louise Parkin said: "Even though we have two medical centres it takes three weeks to get an appointment, it is just not feasible. 

"Where are the children who move into these properties going to go to school?"

Cllr Peter Burridge Clayton said: "It is worth noting that even if we did get a new medical centre, getting doctors is very difficult and nurses almost impossible, even if we were to get a building in the long term."

There were also concerns about traffic being extremely busy in the area, due to the site being close to the motorway, said Cllr Parkin.

Members of the planning committee agreed there would need to be a grass bund around the outside of the development to help with noise reduction. 

Brue Farm

It was also taken into consideration that a new school and medical centre are planned to be built in the later stages of the Brue Farm development as part of the Local Plan.

Cllr Andy Brewer, chairman of the planning committee for Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, said: "It is not a feasible development right now for Highbridge."

Even though town councillors have voted against the proposal, the final decision rests with Sedgemoor District Council.