A local business' bid to convert a barn in the Dengie into offices has been given the green light by councillors, despite objections raised by neighbours to the plans.

Maldon District Council's north western area planning committee approved the proposal to convert an existing barn on the land behind Hill Barn, in Woodham Mortimer, into offices last night (Wednesday, 1 December).

Baker Clarke Accountants, which has been based in Tolleshunt Major for over 11 years, is set to move into the building.

In a supporting statement for the application, the agent, Matthew Wood, said the company "needs more space to evolve this business and to maintain existing valued local staff, some of whom have children and cannot readily travel longer distances".

Mr Wood added: "Baker Clarke would have to seriously consider a move outside of the district should this accommodation not be available."

Councillor Sue White told last night's meeting: "Of all the businesses there could be, it's effectively an owner-run business, it's an office, it's the least offensive business you could have.

"You know what, we need jobs, children going forward need jobs, and these barns - yes they look OK, but they're all falling down and unless people use them for businesses or residential, they won't be there in 10 years' time."

The application is a resubmission after the proposal was initially refused by the council, who said the company had provided "insufficient information" to demonstrate a need for the offices.

Councillor White said: "I applaud the applicant, they've done what the application was turned down for - they've removed some of the windows, they've changed it so they're not altering it at all."

A planning officer also said the additional information provided with the resubmitted application "demonstrates a justifiable and functional need for the proposed development".

She said it "is considered to offset the harm arising from the urbanisation of the site, as the level of alterations is not considered to be beyond what is necessary for the site to function as an office unit".

But Mr Gough, a neighbouring resident who spoke in objection to the plans at the meeting, told councillors he and his family "simply do not accept that any benefits which may accrue to this proposal will outweigh the harm that this development will cause".

The application received two other letters of objection from residents, who raised concerns about traffic generated by the development and its impact on highway safety, noise and the offices being in a "remote and unsustainable location".

In anticipation of the plans being approved, Mr Gough requested conditions to be added regarding drainage, lighting and advertisement on the site.

He also asked for a condition to prevent future use of the site for residential purposes, but officers said this was not necessary as that would need a further planning application.

The size of the building will not be changed, and it is set to accommodate around five to six members of staff.

The proposed physical changes to the building include upgrading its roof, window and door openings.

It will have a reception area, three open plan office areas, three toilets and kitchens.

Proposing to accept the application and the additional conditions, Councillor Mark Durham said: "I don't feel there is a major issue with this anymore.

"It is purely non-residential and, of course, should that change at any time in the future that would be the subject of a further planning application."

Councillor Durham's proposal was seconded by Councillor White and voted through unanimously by members.