Somerset Council, the landowners, are unable to give permission for the equipment to be installed, due to a legal objection from residents in Quantock Court.

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said “Somerset Council were unable to progress the joint initiative from the Burnham Evolution Project because of a covenant on the land at South Esplanade, opposite Quantock Court, which had originally been identified for a play area.

Somerset Council is working with Burnham-on-Sea Town Council to identity other sites in Burnham-on-Sea where the play equipment can be utilised but will not be actively involved in installing or maintaining the equipment in the future”.

The plans were the last part of the Burnham Evolution Project to be completed, which was being funded through the Hinkley Point C Community Impact Mitigation (CIM) Fund.  The Burnham Evolution Project included the seawall art installation, refurbishment of sea front street furniture and improvements to the Princess Theatre.

Councillor Millard, Mayor of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge said “The Town Council are disappointed that the original plan for the play equipment cannot be realised, but we will be working with Somerset Council to enhance the play areas within the Town with equipment that had been allocated for the Esplanade play area.  The Town Council would like to thank all those who have been involved with the project over the past few years and especially the CIM Funding Board.