CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 47 homes at a Highbridge beauty spot have been given a unanimous thumbs down by councillors after an impassioned plea from a resident.

Developer, Flower & Hayes, is seeking planning permission to build a 14 two bed, 30 three bed and three four bedroom homes and 128 parking spaces on land to the north of Walrow Road in Highbridge.

At a Burnham and Highbridge Town Council planning meeting on Wednesday (December 19) Joy Russell, a resident who lives near Walrow, spoke on behalf of residents living near Walrow and urged them to object to the developer’s plans.

She said: “As a resident of Walrow terrace I strongly object to this development.

“The access to the proposed development site, coming off a poorly maintained weight restricted bridge, not far from it’s brow and close to the access of three other roads seems to be a foolhardy, dangerous idea and in my opinion an accident waiting to happen.

"Highbridge is becoming over developed and the narrow road and pavements on this stretch just can't cope and is already dangerous. We fear serious injuries to pedestrians and cyclists are inevitable. The addition of a further estimated 128 cars will add even more pressure."

Mrs Russell said she also has fears protected species living on the site will be 'displaced' and not 'protected' and is worried the site will flood in the future.

"The proposed development is contained within a high risk area and during the course of a year absorbs water," Mrs Russell said.

"Most winters we see the field and paddocks opposite Walrow Terrace flood.

"The applicant has shown a total disregard for the area and residents that this application purports to complement and, a full survey of road and bridges together with full structural survey of all properties likely to be affected as outlined above needs to be done before this development is considered.

“With so much local opposition, 129 official objections to date and disgust of the local residents I pray that this development is stopped in it’s tracks.”

Councillors voted to object to the plans and cited highway access, over development, flood risk and wildlife impact as their reasons for objecting.

But the final decision will rest with Sedgemoor District Council.