Maldon Town Council has recommended the refusal of plans for the Salero Lounge for a second time, slamming the applicant's "abuse of the planning process". 

Planning Committee Chair Councillor John Driver warned members and the public on Monday (October 16) that the meeting was solely to debate the planning aspects of hospitality chain Loungers' applications. 

Resident Kate Mellia, who lives above the proposed bar and restaurant, accused Loungers of "playing dirty". 

"We waited eight weeks to go to a District Council meeting - they pulled out two days before," she said. 

"The restaurant is 99 per cent finished. They're going to open, do what they want, and not one person's stopping them. It's absolutely outrageous." 

"This is an abuse of the planning system."

Councillor Martin Harvey said the applications should be retrospective as much of the work had already been done. 

"I believe this is an abuse of the planning system," he stated. 

When the committee rejected Loungers' previous applications in August, there were issues over the impact on neighbouring residents and a lack of input from the Conservation Officer. There were also noise concerns regarding the condenser units, which have since been enclosed with acoustic screening added. 

Ms Mellia told councillors the Salero Lounge would cause "considerable harm" and have a "detrimental effect" on neighbours. 

She said: "This is the largest Grade II listed building on the High Street with huge single-glazed windows throughout. Noise impact mitigation cannot encompass a building of this scale." 

"I'm concerned for my safety..."

Ms Mellia added the building's large windows overlook her home, raising privacy issues for her and her neighbours. 

"I'm concerned for my safety, entering my own home at night," she said. 

Cllr Driver told Ms Mellia that as the business had not yet started operating, some of her concerns were "raised on the basis of what she thinks might happen". 

He added: "The Environmental Health officer is rather sitting on the fence and doesn't come down strongly one way or the other." 

Cllr Driver said members were informed by Loungers that some soundproofing had been added between the restaurant and the flats above, although its efficacy is unknown. It formed part of an "extensive" sound report provided with the submission. 

Councillors recommended refusal of the application due to no information received from the Conservation Officer and concerns regarding the internally illuminated signage on the front of the building in the Conservation Area. (Credit: Loungers PLC)

Internal renovations, changes to the windows, and the installation of condenser units were carried out without planning consent. However, it is lawful to seek permission retrospectively. 

Councillor Robert Jones suggested the applications should be refused as the work had already been done. He said it should serve as an example to other companies "that you cannot take these things for granted". 

"Large companies are allowed to get away with retrospective applications willy nilly, because they've got the money behind them," Councillor Flo Shaughnessy remarked. 

All four applications presented to the Town Council were recommended for refusal. Reasons can be found in the Draft Meeting Minutes. 

Loungers' response

A spokesperson for Loungers PLC told Nub News: "Our previous applications were only withdrawn to allow sufficient time for all information to be fully considered prior to a decision being made. 

"The new applications are with Maldon District Council for review, and we continue a positive dialogue with the various statutory consultees." 

All four applications will be called in by Cllr Nigel Miller, likely to be debated at Maldon District Council's Central Area Planning Committee meeting on November 22. 

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