CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 171 homes and a new primary school at Brue Farm have been denied town council backing as councillors raised concerns about the safety of the new school.

Developer Barratt Homes is seeking planning permission to build 171 homes, a new primary school, a new roundabout and public open space at the site in Huntspill Road in Highbridge.

At a meeting on Wednesday (May 22) councillors from Burnham and Highbridge Town Council's planning committee considered the hybrid application to approve plans for the new primary school.

The developer won outline planning permission for the homes last year but is seeking outline permission to build the new primary school to the south east of the site and full planning permission for the 171 homes.

Councillors raised concerns about the developer moving the location of the new primary school from the centre to the south east of the site and said they have fears traffic problems will escalate along the A38.

Councillor Louise Parkin said while she would like to see a school built on the site the location the developer proposed would not be suitable.

"Parents being parents will block the A38 where the proposed school is going to be built at two times of the day," Cllr Parkin said.

"The car park is not sufficient for the number of parents who will be collecting their children from school.

"I think this is a serious problem and I can't see how we are going to get around it.

"The previous position of the school was much more sustainable. If I was a mum I would not want my children going along that road."

Councillor Andy Brewer said he is concerned access in and out of the school may be difficult and a number of residents have voiced concerns about road safety around the school.

Councillor Sue Harvey also raised concerns about some two and a half storey houses on the site and asked the committee to recommend they be lowered so they don't overlook existing properties.

She said: "I would like to recommend that two houses on the site be reduced in height as they will overlook other existing properties and invade on people's privacy.

"Having the school in the previous position makes much more sense than the new position that has been suggested."

But the committee praised the developer's plans for a new roundabout and said they think it will reduce the likelihood of accidents along Huntspill Road.

Councillors voted to object to the plans but the final decision rests with Sedgemoor District Council.

For details or to view the application visit sedgemoor.gov.uk and search for reference number 52/19/00001.