Maldon District Council has refused a proposal to erect iron railings on the existing brick sea wall in between the Old Clubhouse and the Otter Hut on the Quay in Burnham-on-Crouch.

At a meeting of the South Eastern Area Planning Committee of Maldon District Council yesterday evening (Wednesday, 21 July), the proposal was refused on the basis that the 8-foot metal railings would be too high.

The applicant said that the proposed railings would be of an acceptable quality and would maintain views of the estuary, while improving security for the owners of the Clubhouse.

The application has been controversial amongst residents as the site is located on the west side of the Quay within the Burnham-on-Crouch Conservation Area.

Speaking on behalf of concerned residents, Diana Bailey said: "We were very relieved to see the conservation officer has recommended large-scale drawings showing adequate gaps between the uprights and the metalworks being of an acceptable quality."

However, she said: "There is no need for the barrier to be 8 foot high, surely a sensible compromise would be a total of about 6 foot."

In February, planning permission was granted for a number of extensions on the Clubhouse. Close-board fencing above the existing sea wall was initially proposed as part of the original submission - this was amended to propose metal railings instead.

Councillor Wendy Stamp said: "I'd like to commend the applicants for actually working and changing the original design, [...] but I do have an issue with the height."

Councillor Mark Bassenger said: "If somebody had a garden fence and they wanted an eight-foot-high fence, we would all be screaming saying: 'That's far too high.' So I think the height is a problem."

He added: "I think the railings are probably valid for the security."

The debate also centred on the potential impact of the proposed railings on the view of the Quay.

Diana said: "Really importantly, if permission is to be granted we would be looking for assurance that nothing in the future can be attached to the railings to obscure the view from the Quay."

She also suggested that the metal be stainless, forged or bronze, in consideration of the salty air.

She said: "This is a conservation area with a view to the river which belongs to everybody that walks the Quay - at the very least, it deserves the work of an artisan to hand-forge bespoke railings."

Councillor Vanessa Bell, who is also the town mayor, said: "My feeling is that Burnham deserves better for a very important conservation area and a very important building."

Councillor Bassenger put forward a proposal to refuse the plans, which Councillor Stamp seconded - it was voted through with three councillors in favour, one against and one in abstention.

The councillors recommended that the applicant considered reducing the height of the proposed railings and giving assurances that they would not obscure the view.

Councillor Stamp said: "I think it's really important for Burnham, and this district, to make sure that we look after our conservation areas."

She added: "It's down to the applicant and architect if they could consider coming back with lower ones."