Farleigh Hospice has said it "remains optimistic" as it works on a revised proposal for a community hub at its new Maldon site, after its initial proposal was refused last week.

Refusing planning permission, Maldon District Council (MDC) planning officers said that the "prominent positioning and contrived appearance" of the proposed hub on Mill Road would be "incongruous" to the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

Alison Stevens, chief executive of Farleigh Hospice, said: "Following the closure of our old Farleigh Hospice site in Maldon, we found suitable new premises in Mill Road and purchased the building in January 2020.

"Following a public consultation with local residents, we created plans for the refurbishment of this building to create a new Farleigh in Maldon.

"After going through the pre-planning application process, we formally submitted an application for full planning to Maldon District Council taking on board the advice offered."

She continued: "Our next step will be to carefully review all feedback provided, and work with our Maldon-based architect, Annabel Brown Architects, to achieve planning permission for a building that will be an asset to the community of Maldon for the years to come."

The plans included a part single, part two-storey front extension to the building on Mill Road which would have created a new entrance, with clinical or consulting rooms on the ground floor, and a community café.

The proposal also involved a new garden courtyard to the midsection of the existing building and a garden to the rear.

Farleigh Hospice is not able to appeal MDC's decision, but is planning to submit a revised application.

Alison said: "The refurbishment of this building will make it possible for us to enhance our much-needed service offering in this area.

"We remain optimistic, and hope that our next set of plans will allow us to make this vision a reality.

"Farleigh has had a presence in Maldon for over 20 years, and we want this presence to continue for the next 20 years and beyond."