CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 46 homes at a Highbridge beauty spot have been given the green light despite pleas from residents.

Developer Flower & Hayes appealed to the Planning Inspectorate earlier this year for permission to build the homes at Walrow.

The development promised to include a mixture of market housing, including three two-bed houses, 16 three-bed houses, eight four-bed houses and five flats.

Flower & Hayes had previously submitted plans for 47 homes on the site, but the plans were they refused by the Planning Inspectorate in October 2019.

The application was also met with objections from Burnham and Highbridge Town Council and more than 120 letters of objection from residents.

Residents have continued to fight plans to build on the site, as they argue development represents a flood risk, would result in a loss of green space and lead to extra traffic in the area.

But despite their pleas, the developer’s plans have now been approved by the Planning Inspectorate, subject to a number of conditions.

In a decision notice, The Planning Inspectorate said conditions have been put in place to protect reptiles and birds on the site and ensure residents are protected.

Joy Russell, a resident who campaigned against the development, said she is ‘beyond sad’ the plans have been approved.

“We have lost our fight to save the fields at Walrow and Lakeside from development now and it’s a heart-breaking farewell to the wildlife and nature that has thrived here,” Joy said.

“The two sites are precious parts of an active nature corridor from the River Brue.

“The value of these fields to nature and the opinions and feelings of our local community to protect our dwindling green spaces have once more been totally ignored and wiped out with the stroke of a pen.

“So much for the government supporting the recovery of nature.

“I am beyond sad.

“Our community is angry that SDC and the appeal officer believe that this development is a safe location regarding both access, highways and flooding issues.

“Once again Highbridge has been dumped on from a great height and we are all left with a sour taste in our mouths and a general opinion that the government doesn’t care or listen to the public.

“The whole planning process is a joke. We have sent emails, written letters, signed petitions, made speeches, held protests, created videos and shared them with councillors and on social media to educate about the value of these fields and complained about the lack of infrastructure and services and still no one listens.

“The social problems in this town are getting worse by the day and the police and local authorities are all struggling to cope with it.”