Read this week's roundup of the key planning applications in the Maldon District, received or decided on by the Council.

Applications received

1. Barclays, 18 High Street, Burnham-On-Crouch CM0 8AA

Removal of existing external signage, removal of external ATM and infill existing cut out hole by brickwork to match existing brickwork, removal of night safe and infill existing cut out hole by brickwork to match existing brickwork, remove existing CCTV camera.

The Burnham branch is set to close on August 22, as Barclays says only 20 customers use the branch regularly as the only way to do their banking. However, Burnham Town Council has agreed to host Barclays' local banking services two days a week.

2. 43-45 High Street, Maldon CM9 5PF

Installation of signage, changes to external materials including the repainting of doors and windows and glazing alterations.

A new restaurant owned by Loungers is set to open on the site of the former 'My Local' convenience store. Nub News will provide more information soon.

3. 6 Towers Road, Heybridge CM9 4AP

Demolition of existing outrigger and out-building and construction of new single storey side and rear extension. Addition of hardstanding to front of property.

Applications approved

1. Purleigh Lodge, Lodge Lane, Purleigh CM3 6PP

Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) for approved planning permission 23/00111/FUL (Demolition of the existing house and outbuildings and erection of a new detached dwelling house). Amendment sought: revisions to design of dwellinghouse.

2. Village Hall, Tiptree Road, Great Braxted CM8 3EJ

Addition of cladding and the infill of four windows to the south elevation and two windows to the east elevation.

3. Land at Birchwood Farm, Birchwood Road, Cock Clarks

Outline application with the matter of access for consideration for the erection of one dwelling.

Applications refused

1. Land west of Spratts Farm, Queenborough Road, Southminster

Outline planning application (with all matters of detail reserved for future determination except for means of access) for the demolition of number 46 Queenborough Road and the erection of up to 110 dwellings (including affordable housing), with public open space, structural planting, landscaping, sustainable drainage system (SuDS) and vehicular access point.

Gladman Developments Ltd, DJ Fisher Farms and L&A Barker had proposed an "attractive, welcoming and walkable" new residential development on the outskirts of the village. However, all 152 of the public comments made regarding the application objected to it.

Reasons for refusal:

1. The development, as a result of its location, nature and extent, would cause harm to the character and appearance of this rural site and its surroundings, contrary to Policies S1, S8 and D1 of the approved Maldon District Local Development Plan and the NPPF.
2. It has not been demonstrated that the impact of the development on the local highway network is acceptable in terms of highway safety, contrary to Policies T1 and T2 of the approved Maldon District Local Development Plan and the NPPF.
3. The development would potentially result in the loss of Grade 3a, Best and Most Versatile agricultural land, contrary to Policy D2 of the approved Maldon District Local Development Plan and the NPPF.
4. Use of the vehicular access proposed to serve the development would result in noise and disturbance being caused to the occupiers of the neighbouring residential dwelling (no.48 Queensborough Road) to the detriment of their amenity, contrary to Policy D1 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan and the NPPF.
5. In the absence of a completed legal agreement pursuant to Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, securing the following necessary planning obligations:

• A financial contribution towards Essex Coast Recreational disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy or an appropriate mitigation strategy to overcome the impacts of the development on the European designated nature conservation sites,
• A financial contribution towards the provision of education,
• Management/maintenance of the public open space and
• Affordable housing provision

The development would have an adverse impact on those European designated nature conservation sites, would not adequately provide for the educational needs of the future residents of the site, would not ensure that the public open space proposed was appropriate managed and maintained and would not meet the affordable housing needs of the District. The development is, therefore, contrary to Policies S1, H1, N1, N2, D1, D2, T1, T2, I1 and I2 of the approved Maldon District Local Development Plan and the NPPF.

2. Land adjacent The Owls, Woodham Road, Stow Maries

Three new proposed residential dwellings.

Reasons for refusal:

1. The site is outside of the defined settlement boundary and is located where occupiers of the proposed dwellings would be reliant on the use of private vehicles to gain access to everyday services and facilities. The development would therefore be unsustainable and is contrary to Policies S1, S8, and T2 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2017) and paragraphs 7, 8, 104, 105 and 110 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2021).
2. The proposed development would consolidate built form along Woodham Road eroding the open spacious character which contributes to the street scene altering the existing rural character of the site. The proposal would result in material harm to the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area. The development is therefore contrary to Policies S8, and D1 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2017) and paragraph 130 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2021).
3. The creation of an access within the location proposed when provided with the necessary visibility splays would lead to an unacceptable loss of hedgerow which is a strong landscape feature, and which is protected by a Hedgerow Retention Notice. The development is therefore contrary to Policies S8 and D1 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2017).

3. 9 Cherry Blossom Lane, Cold Norton CM3 6JQ

A proposal for the erection of two bungalows, including parking provision.

Reason for refusal:

The proposal has been found to cause a loss of privacy to the future occupants of the site and to the neighbour at no.7 Cherry Blossom Lane, causing harm to the residential amenity of these neighbours. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy D1 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2017), the Maldon District Design Guide (2017), and the policies and guidance contained in the National Planning Policy Framework (2021).

Read more

• Former Heybridge Swifts Chairman accuses committee members of sending 'abusive' messages and 'crossing a line'
• Maldon and Heybridge bus users' group to be launched with support from Town Council
• Maldon MP Sir John Whittingdale praises Essex Police's 'largest ever' force following Chief Superintendent meeting