CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn the former Canal House site into flats look set for approval later this month.

Proposals put forward by developer, New Shore Developments, to build 29 flats on the Market Street site in Highbridge will go before Sedgemoor District Council’s development committee on Tuesday, December 18, at Bridgwater House, and the council’s planning officers have recommended the plans be given the green light.

The plans also include the creation of 31 ancillary car parking spaces and bin and cycle storage.

However, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council is objecting to the submitted plan for a number of reasons.

The council’s planning committee said they think the site is being overdeveloped and it does not include retail units so it will not improve local sustainability.

The plans also received a number of letters of objection from district councillors and residents who raised concerns over privacy for residents on Market Street, an increase in on street congestion and a lack of parking on the site.

But planners at Sedgemoor District Council see no significant reason the proposal should be turned down, and recommended approval, provided at least 15 per cent of the new dwellings are affordable housing and the developer creates a construction management plan.

To view the plans visit SDC’s website and search for the planning application 11/17/00116.