Burnham and Highbridge Town Council has supported the first phase of a 427 homes plan – despite concerns about drainage and rerouting a public footpath.

A reserved matters application was submitted to the council by Hallam Land Management for 74 homes and a foul water pumping station at Brue Farm in Huntspill Road.

The plans are part of major development which includes the build of a primary school, nursery and roundabout in the area.

Cllr John Parkes, at a planning meeting, said: “There have been concerns expressed to me made by residents living in Market Street about where the foul water will be released due to flooding there last year.

“I am also worried about this issue as the area is prone to flooding.”

Cllr Andy Brewer reiterated these concerns and said there will always be a possibility for foul water to run into the river in extreme weather conditions.

The developer’s contractor, Barratt Homes, gave a presentation on the night to address concerns about the development from people living in Highbridge.

A spokesman for the contractor stated the main issues received from 100 people who attended a public consultation were about the potential of increased traffic on Huntspill Road and the A38.

He said once the plans are outlined, it will be changed according to resident’s comments in the area.

Hallam Land Management is also seeking planning permission to move a public footpath, which runs through the site, to a new route alongside the River Brue.

Cllr Parkes expressed his concerns about the reroute, which he said could set a precedent for other developments in the area – like those in Walrow and Lakeside.

But Cllr Brewer encouraged others to support the plans as it would be a ‘nice enhancement’ to the area.

Cllr Martin Cox addressed the issue of energy efficient housing, but the council was told by the chairman the new homes will adhere to national guideline standards.

Sedgemoor District Council will now decide if these plans are to go ahead in Highbridge.