Present: Councillors Millard, Matthews, Vickers, Facey, Searing, Gudka, Perry
and the Town Clerk
Matthew Roberts – Account Director, JVP
Andrew Penna – Strategic Planning Manager, Barretts Homes
Councillor Millard gave an overview of the Council’s Planning Pre-Application Discussion Policy.
Everyone was welcomed to the meeting and introductions were made.
Mr Penna made it clear that no planning application is being prepared at the moment, as this is a long-term project. The aim is for the site to be included in the Somerset Council Local Plan for development. It is expected to take at least 5 years before a planning permission is sought for a high quality development on the site.
Barretts are gathering information from numerous stakeholders including local organisations, highways, ecologists and landscape architects to learn about the area and the site and the impact of a development of this scale.
The site is in a flood zone and Barretts are liaising with the Local Flood Authority, Environment Agency and Drainage Board, as this will be a huge challenge.
Councillors raised numerous questions, which were answered:

• What are Barretts thoughts on how to deal with the flood risk? This would be a major challenge and there is no certainty it can be overcome. They don’t have the answers at the moment.
• What would be the allocation of affordable housing? It is hoped to be policy compliant.
• Would the land be raised and if so what would the impact be on the neighbouring houses? It is highly unlikely this would be proposed.
• How will the traffic be managed? In the Sedgemoor Plan it was suggested that a relief road is built, but is this needed? There are other options such as a park and ride. Taking traffic off the Berrow Road would be positive.
• A strategic view is needed and there needs to be consideration of other things happening in the area. Barretts would welcome any information as the process goes forward.
• What are the developers environmental views? The proposal would be for a zero carbon development. The RSPB is a partner. Further details on Barretts commitments to sustainability are available on the Barretts development website https://www.barrattdevelopments.co.uk.
• Green spaces are very important, will a lot of green space be incorporated in the plan? Councils are bringing in higher percentages for biodiversity. A meeting with Somerset Wildlife Trust is taking place later this month. Other development sites include community orchards and micro-allotments and these will be considered.
• Would the inclusion of permeable roads be considered? Only if Somerset Council would adopt them, which is unlikely.
• Infrastructure is a concern e.g. access to shops and GPs and this should be considered.
• When will the public be consulted? There are likely to be several master plan options for public comments. Public engagement is important and will be held through the process as more information becomes available.
• There is a shortage in affordable bungalows, will there be any included in the development? This is possible, but normally they are 1 or 2 bedrooms.
  A range of housing is required to cater for both the older and young generations.
  It was confirmed the Council would be reviewing the Neighbourhood Plan soon. Barretts would welcome discussions.
  A change in government could mean a change in planning rules.
  The Council welcome the dialogue and it was agreed that quarterly update meetings should take place and these will be made public going forward, when further information is available.