A COUNCILLOR has spoken of his concern over plans to build five new flats on the site of a former IT consultancy in Highbridge.

Sedgemoor District Council has submitted plans to build five one-bedroom flats at the rear of Alpha House, in Market Street.

The council plans to demolish an office building at the back of the property to make way for the new ‘social rented housing’.

The site used to be occupied by Sense IT Training & Consultancy Ltd but has remained empty for a number of years. 

If approved, three flats will be built within the refurbished ground floor of the existing building and two will be located in the proposed building on the site to the rear of Alpha House which backs onto Bank Street car park. 

But Burnham and Highbridge Town Councillor, Phil Harvey, said he doesn’t feel they ‘fit in’ with the town’s Neighbourhood Plan.

“I have concerns about this because the new development will be replacing offices with flats,” he said.

“While I appreciate that in the Neighbourhood Plan we said new social housing needed to be built, I don’t think building new flats right in the centre of Highbridge would be a good use of the space. 

“It doesn’t really fit in with our aspirations for the area.”

Cllr Harvey said he thinks the space would be better used as shops or offices to bring more trade into the town.

“There is not a dying need for social housing in Highbridge as a number of new developments have been built,” Cllr Harvey added.

“Burnham-on-Sea may have a greater need for it because it is a much bigger place but there is a great deal more trade in Burnham. 

“Highbridge, on the other hand, is in need of trade and regeneration.”

People can comment on the application until December 17 after which a decision will be made by Sedgemoor District Council.  To view the application visit sedgemoor.gov.uk and search 11/17/00159.