A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build flats in the middle of an estate in Highbridge has been thrown out. Raglan Housing

A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build flats in the middle of an estate in Highbridge has been thrown out. Raglan Housing Association applied to Sedgemoor District Council to build two three-storey buildings, each containing six flats at land in Queen's Square. Residents, protestors and members of Burnham and Highbridge Town Council met with representatives from the district council on May 18 to discuss their concerns about the over development of the town. Highbridge ward councillor for Sedgemoor Joe Leach said: "This was a poor proposal and I believe that the public voice is the real winner here today. Our councillors should listen to people more often and start constructing the amenities in Highbridge we all want and need."About 15 residents showed up to the meeting to speak to members of the planning committee. "One of the developers gave a speech about the proposal but it went down like a lead balloon and it became very clear that no-one wants the development."It would have been a great shame for the town if the flats had gone up, the last thing we need is more flats. The streets of Highbridge are being over developed. What we need is three and four bedroomed houses for family accommodation. Flats are unpopular, they are not the sort of accommodation people coming to the town need. There are flats in Church Street that no-one has moved into. We have some very good schools in the area ideal for young families. Developers are concerning themselves with the wrong areas."The development was discussed at Burnham and Highbridge Town Council planning committee on April 30 and went before Sedgemoor District Council's planning committee on Tuesday.