A prominent former bank building in Burnham-on-Sea is set to be transformed into residential flats following the closure of the Lloyds Bank branch in November 2024. Despite concerns from Somerset Council’s planning officers over the proposed use of uPVC window frames in place of traditional timber, planning permission was granted in April 2026, reflecting a community consensus prioritising housing development and building preservation.
The Lloyds Bank, situated at the corner of College Street and High Street, ceased operations two years ago, leaving locals reliant on alternative financial services nearby, such as the Nationwide branch and the Post Office. Darren Clapp, the developer, obtained permission to convert the building’s first and second floors into four flats, alongside separate plans to enhance the building’s external aesthetic.
Planning officers had opposed replacing the existing wooden window frames with uPVC, citing potential harm to the character of the town’s conservation area. However, the committee responsible for major planning applications in the former Sedgemoor area overturned this recommendation at a meeting in Bridgwater on 11 August.
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Mr Clapp passionately advocated for his proposal, emphasising the challenges posed by the building’s coastal environment: “We’re only about 100 yards from the sea, facing salt, wind, and rain, which makes timber windows difficult to maintain. These windows need replacing to protect the building in the long term.” He highlighted the financial disparity between timber and uPVC options, revealing costs of £152,000 for timber frames compared to £43,000 for uPVC windows designed to mimic wood grain. The latter, he argued, offered improved longevity and energy efficiency while maintaining the building’s heritage appearance.
“I’m not seeking to modernise the look but to preserve it,” Mr Clapp added, noting that uPVC windows are already present on the top floor.
The proposal also includes reinstating the building’s marble frontage following the removal of the former ATM, aiming to restore some of its historic character.
Several councillors voiced support for the decision. Councillor Matt Martin (Liberal Democrat, King Alfred) remarked on the impracticality of insisting on timber given the state of the windows and the high cost, describing such a requirement as adherence to “an arcane rule in a dusty tome.” Councillor Mike Murphy (Liberal Democrat, Burnham-on-Sea North) noted the diversity of window styles in College Street and commended the developer’s plans to renew the building’s stone and marble facing.
Conservative Councillor Tony Grimes, a seafront resident, explained how environmental conditions make timber windows a “false economy” due to deterioration from wind, sand, and rain. Labour’s Councillor Hilary Bruce expressed concern about the financial impact that rejecting uPVC could have on the viability of providing much-needed one-bedroom flats in the area.
Similarly, Conservative Councillor Alan Bradford highlighted the wider economic context and the rising price of timber amid global forest fires, concluding that timber frames are not a practical requirement under current circumstances.
Following around an hour of discussion, the planning committee voted overwhelmingly-nine in favour, one against-to approve the conversion plans, marking a significant step in repurposing a notable Burnham-on-Sea landmark for residential use while balancing conservation and modern needs.