Council approves plans for former Salways shop in Burnham

The unit at 11 Regent Street was previously occupied by Salways Hardware, which closed its doors in 2015, leaving the commercial space vacant.

The upper floors are also unused and in poor condition, having previously provided a storage area for the shop.

Two years later, plans to turn the unit into six flats were turned down due to concerns about the town losing retail space.

But the new and approved proposals will bring “increased opportunities for small businesses, improving the viability and vibrancy of the town”.

Somerset Council gave the plans the green light on Friday, June 16.

The flats would be accessed via the rear of the building on George Street. (Image: Google Street View)

Under the approved plans, the ground floor will be reconfigured to create two commercial units fronting Regent Street.

The rest of the building will be converted for residential use, and the rear three-storey extension will be rebuilt. 

Four of the flats will have two bedrooms, and other other will have one bedroom. They will be accessed via George Street.

The application, submitted by APW Planning on behalf of Mr M Drapiewski, said: “The development will provide for two commercial tenancies on the ground floor, providing for new small business opportunities into the town centre, and five residential flats in a highly sustainable location.

“The development will deliver a mix of retail and residential development which aligns with the council’s strategic direction for growth and as supported by national planning policy guidance.

“The design is appropriate in its context and would not give rise to any demonstrable harm to the streetscape or residential amenity and is therefore consistent with the policies of the development plan.”

Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Town Council chose to support the plans at a meeting on Wednesday, May 24.