CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a 75 room Travelodge in Highbridge have been given a unanimous thumbs down by Burnham and Highbridge Town Council's planning committee. 

At the August meeting of the town council's planning committee, members voted to object to the plans for the new hotel amid concerns that the plans contravene Sedgemoor District Council's (SDC) vision statement for Isleport Business Park. 

In a lively debate, members discussed the proposal, which would see a hotel along with 75 parking spaces, an integral bar and cafe, as well as bin and cycle storage built on land to the east of Bennett Road at Isleport Business Park. 

Councillors said they feel the plans conflict with SDC's vision statement as they feel the proposed development would not create many highly skilled jobs, would lead to further congestion on J22 of the M5 and say it doesn't include any plans for renewable energy generation.

In a statement read out at the meeting, Burnham Chamber of Trade said they were 'concerned' that if approved, the new development could have a 'significant impact' on trade and could take business away from small hotels and businesses in the town. 

The Chamber said they are also concerned that the new development could affect coach numbers as a new project is underway to bring more visitors into the town through the coaches. 

Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton said: "I do have sympathy with the concerns of the Chamber of Trade. 

"It is my opinion that people will come off the motorway and only come and shop at Aldi and go to the cafe and then leave which will have an effect on our town centre's in Burnham and Highbridge. 

"It will kill the high street.

"It would have been better for the hotel to be based in the town centre. 

Cllr John Parkes said that although the development will bring jobs to the area he said he is at a 'loss' to understand how a Travelodge, Aldi and possible fast food outlet will bring more business into the towns. 

"Travelodge's model is to build a hotel and a fast food outlet, its just the way they work. 

"I am concerned that if this is approved it will have an impact on Burnham and an even bigger impact on Highbridge."

Councillors also heavily criticised the appearance of the proposed development with Cllr Lousie Parkin saying it resembles 'Cell Block H', Cllr Nick Tolley said it resembled 'a prison block' and Cllr Andy Brewer said it is 'aestetically unpleasing.' 

Members decided to object to the plans but the final decision will rest with Sedgemoor District Council who will make a decision in the Autumn. 

To view the plans visit sedgemoor.gov.uk and quote reference 11/17/00096.