A CAMPAIGN group has been set up to protest against a proposed seven home development in Burnham.

Robin Prior, of R J Prior & Sons, has applied for planning permission to transform an old boating shed, in Station Road, into seven two and three bedroom homes.

He states that the income from the development is necessary in order to keep the boatyard, which has been in Burnham for 125 years, alive.

Mr Prior said: “Without positive assistance from the planning authority to support the current boatyard via a considered and strategic planning approval for this boat storage site, a 125-year-old part of Burnham’s unique and historic waterfront will be lost to both residents and tourists alike.”

However, a group, Maritime Burnham, has launched opposing the development.

Member, Frances Edwards believes that approval would show complete disregard to the Burnham community.

She said: “We have just had the referendum on the Neighbourhood Plan. It very clearly states in that document that riverside businesses should not be given change of use unless it is absolutely necessary, and even then it must not be housing.

“If the council let this through they would be completely disregarding that plan, and showing total disrespect to the Burnham community who backed it.”

Burnham’s Neighbourhood Plan, which was passed in July, states: “Land and building in primary or directly related river employment uses will be safeguarded. Insofar as planning permission is required their conversion to residential use will not be supported.”

Mrs Edwards also argues the new development would damage tourism in the town.

She added: “Prior’s boatyard and sheds are a major part of the history of the town. The interesting character of the waterside is what brings tourists to Burnham. Some people like the modern buildings, some like the boatsheds, and some like the traditional cottage style buildings. It is all different and all interesting.

“If you remove that, then you lose that sense of character from the front and turn it into Brightlingsea. It is making Burnham bland, which is what the Neighbourhood Plan is meant to protect against.”

For more information visit maritimeburnham.com.