A VIRTUAL meeting will be held to consider a controversial decision to sell off a publicly owned field in Highbridge.

In February developer Coln Residential won outline planning permission to build 110 homes, a play area and a fitness trail on land between Lakeside and Isleport despite more than 140 objections from residents.

Last month Sedgemoor District Council's Executive met and approved the plans to sell the land but Sedgemoor District Council said a call-in request has been made by councillors to discuss the proposed disposal of the land.

The council's Corporate Scrutiny Committee will take part in a virtual meeting on Monday, July 13 at 2.30pm to consider the plans.

SDC said the reasons provided for the call-in are:

  • The decision to sell this land acquired for Public Open Space and the failure to bring forward any such use over 20 years.
  • The decision to sell green space in the Highbridge area which is deficient in this locality.
  • The threat to the biodiversity of this site during a climate change crisis.
  • The allocation of the S106 monies towards this site being transferred to the developer.
  • The desirability of keeping open space for the health and wellbeing of local residents.
  • Was sufficient weight given to the public consultation in making this decision?

The meeting is open to the public. If you would like to register to speak please contact democratic.services@sedgemoor.gov.uk by midday on Friday, July 10.