PLANS for 29 apartments in a prominent Highbridge location have been given the green light.

The proposals, which include a flats across three floors on currently empty land at 1 Market Street, were passed by Sedgemoor District Council's development committee meeting this morning, (Tuesday, July 31).

The development includes plans for one and two bedroom flats, 31 car parking spaces, a central courtyard with a garden and elevated walkways.

At the meeting planning officer Dawn de Vries presented a report on the application and explained why the team had recommended approval.

She said this was 'a suitable site for a landmark building', and that the officers were satisfied the development was of appropriate size and design for the area.

Among the speakers was David Barratt who lives in a ground floor flat in the neighbouring Island House.

"This development is overbearing and overshadowing.

"Our window will look out onto a bin store and car park, and with all the fumes from the cars I am worried about opening our window because of the health impact on myself, my wife and our five-year-old son," Mr Barratt said.

Next up was Lorna Williams, representing Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, who outlined the council's opposition to the plans.

"This development is not in accordance with the emerging Neighbourhood Plan," she said.

"The council would like to see at least one unit set aside for retail provision - without it we do not see how this development will improve the sustainability of Highbridge."

Toni Hammick spoke on behalf of the developer and attempted to allay concerns raised.

"I have been working in the regeneration of Highbridge for 18 years now and want to see viability in the town centre as much as anyone else," she said.

"Unfortunately no-one has been interested in the commercial element of this site in the last 10 years and developers are not keen to take chances on speculative units."

During the debate, Cllr Mike Facey gave his support to the plans, arguing the current site was 'an eyesore'.

"I do understand the concerns of the town council, but I would rather see this development rather than the empty space we have there at the moment."

Cllr Paul Herbert echoed this sentiment: "We all know that site is currently awful, but sadly small retail shops are struggling to survive, so while I not completely happy with this development I understand the logic."

The plans were approved by 12 votes to 1.