A BID has been made for the historic Maltings boat shed by a Burnham campaign group, in an attempt to stop them being turned into houses.

Maritime Burnham has made on offer to R.J. Prior and Sons to buy the sheds on Burnham waterfront.

The group, which is dedicated to the preservation of the riverside, hope to purchase the building which is currently subject to a planning application involving the sheds being knocked down and replaced by seven homes.

R.J. Prior and Sons say the development is necessary in order to keep the town’s boatyard going.

But Maritime Burnham members think they have come up with a solution to help all parties.

Ed Maggs, a member of the group, said: “It is vital to preserve what is left of this waterfront, and the Neighbourhood Plan requires owners of waterfront properties to do just this.

“The offer will supply Priors with more than enough money to keep the boatyard going.”

Once restored, Maritime Burnham hopes to use the main part of the shed for boat storage in winter, and adapt part of the shed for public use.

Ideas that have been put forward by the group include a community centre, a maritime history display, and a café, among other suggestions.

Robin Prior, managing director of R.J. Prior and Sons, said the group had been referred to their agents. He added: “I am assuming they would be looking to repair the sheds and I cannot believe they are aware how much would need to be spent.

“The information we are getting is that they are beyond economic repair.

“It is not that we have not looked into alternative uses, there is just very little we can actually do that would not disturb the residential area.

“A big issue is the asbestos, that really throws a massive spanner in the works.”

Maritime Burnham is searching for further investment.

Anyone interested should contact maritimeburnham@gmail.com.