HIGHBRIDGE will have a new 75 bedroom Travelodge after councillors unanimously voted in favour of the scheme.

It was D-Day for the hotel chain's plans which went before Sedgemoor District Council's Development Committee, but despite an objection from the Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, the discussion only lasted around 15 minutes before the development committee gave their support.

The new hotel, which will have a 75 space car park, a bar and cafe and cycle storage, is set for land to the east of Bennett Road on the Isleport Business Park.

Before the meeting Burnham Chamber of Trade said they shared Burnham and Highbridge Town Council's concerns about the development creating congestion, and members are worried the new development could have a 'significant impact' on business for small hotels.

However when presenting the report on the application, Sedgemoor District Council development manager Stuart Houlet said: "This is land that is earmarked for development, but remained undeveloped for a number of years.

"The committee has seen a number of applications go in on the Isleport Business Park in recent months with plan for a new Aldi, a new warehouse, 16 starter units, and an outline application has just gone in for a drive-thru.

"We feel the objections are unfounded and support it in terms of economic benefits."

Agent for Travelodge Alan Williams encouraged the council to back the hotel, saying there would be 21 job opportunities created, and said there is currently a lack of hotel in the Burnham and Highbridge area.

"The development will act as a catalyst for future investment in the area," Mr Williams added.

Ward members Cllr Paul Herbert, Cllr Janet Keen and Cllr Mike Facey all spoke in favour of the new Travelodge.

Cllr Herbert said: "This can only be a significant plus for our area, and it is the first time in a long, long time visitors will be able to stay in a hotel rather than a B&B."

Cllr Keen added: "I welcome this proposal. It will be the only hotel within a 10 mile radius, and I do not believe it will have a significant impact on the B&B trade."

Cllr Facey mocked the town council's objection regarding the building's design, saying: "I am not sure if anyone on Burnham and Highbridge Town Council has any concept of architectural merit. It is not like the buildings that are currently there are particularly special to look at.

"I notice there is no-one from the town council here today to speak against the application."

The councillors voted unanimously in favour of the new Travelodge.