Maldon town councillors have recommended approval of works to repair and renovate a former Franciscan convent on West Chase.

The town council's planning committee reached the decision in a meeting on Monday evening (18 October), after saying that the works would "preserve" the historic building.

Councillor Martin Harvey, the chairman of the committee, said: "They're basically tidying it up - it's a lovely building."

He added: "It's a complete restoration - there are no changes."

Councillor Flo Shaughnessy said: "I think it will preserve an old building."

The Grade II listed Victorian building was built in 1880 by John Granger Sadd, who ran John Sadd & Sons.

It was bought by the Franciscan Convent in 1955 from Maldon Borough Council, which was using the property as five flats, and transformed into a convent and school in 1957.

The building, which is located adjacent to St Francis Primary School on West Chase in the Maldon Conservation Area, became a private home this summer, after receiving full planning permission from the district council in April 2018.

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The new owners now hope to repair and renovate the rooftop belvedere rainwater goods and windows, repair the chimney brickwork, install flue lining and cowls, choose paint colours for exterior decoration and repair lightning conductors at the property.

They also hope to install a Sky dish and render and paint the previously approved blocking in of the building's window at ground floor level.

The application documents for the plans state: "The main effect of these works would be to allow the house to be watertight and to bring the belvedere back into use.

"Where repairs are required, they will be carried out in materials and techniques wholly appropriate to the historic fabric."

Councillor Michael Pearlman said: "I do know that they're keeping it to a very high standard.

"They're keeping 100 per cent to the book on this one.

"I'm really happy with it."

He added: "I've been looking at the progress and I think [the owners] have done a really good job."

Councillor Pearlman proposed to recommend approval of the works, subject to the views of the conservation officer - this was seconded by Councillor Tony Shrimpton and voted through by members.

The final decision will be made by Maldon District Council.