AN application by developers to demolish the Hope Inn in Bridgwater to make way for flats has been rejected by Sedgemoor planners.

At a Sedgemoor development committee meeting last Tuesday, proposals to build a development of 22 apartments on the Taunton Road site of the half-demolished pub were thrown out.

A proposal by Cllr Hill, which was seconded by Cllr Granter, opposed the plan claiming that its design was not in line with council plans that call for high quality and inclusive design.

An objection by the highways department at Somerset County Council also suggested that the proposed flats would reduce visibility for motorists.

The vote saw 11 members of the committee come out against the demolition plans, with three colleagues supporting the proposals.

Alan Hurford, of Bridgwater Town Council, spoke out against the application, as did Westover ward councillor Brian Smedley.

A statement released by ward councillors outlined how Bridgwater Town Council and the town’s Community Assets Working Party have both strongly acknowledged that the pub premises were listed as an asset of community value back in September 2014 and that the application to bulldoze it is not a popular one among people living in the vicinity.

Councillors also argued that a development of such a size would make worse an already difficult traffic problem on the A38.

They pointed out that, at busy times, traffic separates itself into three lanes at the point of the Hope Inn.

An issue regarding parking was also raised, with concerns that the area will become overcrowded with vehicles and will result in more pressure on limited space in nearby streets.

Cllr Dave Loveridge said: “If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the designers must be myopic. This building design reminds me of Prisoner Cell Block H.”

Town clerk Alan Hurford said: “This application is a disgrace and should have been treated differently from the outset.”