Hopes of demolishing a Weston-super-Mare factory that was “devastated” by a fire in 2015 have been dashed.
Town councillors and residents backed the plans, which would have seen the former die-casting workshop in Milton Road pulled down and replaced with four three-bed houses.
But North Somerset Council refused planning permission amid concerns about the design and the flooding risk.
The plans said: “The site is located to the rear of 264 Milton Road. It was previously a factory which was closed following a devastating fire in 2015, that left the building in a state of dereliction.
'It's a vacant concrete slab'
“A few walls remain in place but, in essence the site is a vacant concrete slab.”
Former occupant KG Diecasting relocated after the fire.
The application from Mr K Glimstead said building another factory would need substantial investment while there was no guarantee of a tenant, it would be detrimental to the surrounding houses, and there is very poor access for large vehicles.
Council officers said the design of the properties was in “stark contrast” to the surroundings, and the applicant had not proved there were other sites at less risk of flooding.
Flooding risk
They said the site was at “an unacceptable and unavoidable risk of flooding and may increase flood risk elsewhere”.
The officers also said the proposed houses did not meet minimum space standards and would be able to see into the gardens of two neighbouring properties.
