The planned community hub at the Isleport Grove housing development in Highbridge faces potential cancellation due to a lack of interest in managing the facility once it is built. Countryside Partnerships, the developer behind the 248-home project situated between Isleport Lane and the M5, had initially secured planning permission in November 2023 to establish a community hub on Barley Street. The hub was designed to include a retail unit and multiple rooms available for hire by local groups.
However, Vistry Devon South West, the parent company of Countryside Partnerships, has now applied to remove the community hub from the plans and replace it with public open space. They cited an inability to secure a committed end user to operate the facility. According to legal agreements tied to the original outline planning permission, Countryside Partnerships would deliver the hub and transfer ownership at no cost to either Burnham and Highbridge Town Council or Somerset Council.
In January 2024, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council reviewed the hub’s future. They concluded that existing community facilities in the area are sufficient, and assuming responsibility for the new facility would place an undue burden on the council. Councillor Sharon Perry expressed concerns about managing the hub but acknowledged the importance of providing a community asset for the growing population.
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Currently, community groups in Highbridge have access to various rentable facilities. Somerset Council reportedly indicated it was unable to take on the community hub at this time. Vistry’s revised proposal involves converting the designated hub site into public open space equipped with children’s play areas, new trees, and hedges.
Somerset Council is expected to reach a decision on the proposed changes by late spring.