An application to build an open-sided storage barn at a Heybridge industrial estate has been turned down by councillors because of flood risk – and has raised questions about future plans in the immediate area following the response to the plans from Environment Agency.

The proposed use of the barn, 51.8m long and 22m wide, was for storage and distribution, including the storage of recycling bins.

Planning permission for a car park on the proposed site, adjacent to the Heybridge House industrial Estate in Bates Road, Maldon, was given in 1996.

However, last year a previous application to build the barn was turned down by Maldon District Council, largely due to flood risk and potential surface water drainage issues.

The applicant, Robert Smith, the director of Green Recycling Limited, then had the plans revised for resubmission – however, one of the reasons the application was recommended for refusal again this time by officers was that the Environment Agency (EA) has designated the site 'Flood zone 3b' – outlining a higher level of flood risk.

It emerged at a meeting of MDC's Central Planning Area Committee yesterday evening (Wednesday, 31 March) that the EA had failed to respond to the consultation on the previous application last year.

The EA response gave rise to concerns about plans in the immediate area going forward

Councillor Carlie Mayes, speaking at yesterday's meeting, said: "Flood zone 3b is much more restrictive in terms of use of the site and the immediate area. And I am concerned that the Environment Agency didn't respond last year. What are the implications of this going forward?"

The council's Chief Planning Officer, Matt Leigh, explained that since 2006 the consideration planning authorities must take of flood risk is much more significant. He also said that the EA had stipulated that if the plan for the barn was approved, they would need to be notified and that it was possible the decision could then be called in by the Secretary of State. Mr Leigh described this as "a most unusual step" that he thought councillors should be aware of.

Councillor Chrisy Morris questioned turning down the application on grounds of flood risk, adding: "We've got 1,300 houses going into Heybridge to be built on a flood plain.

"What I would point out to members is that Heybridge is growing massively and it will need services – and waste disposal is one of them. The infrastructure needs to be improved and it's a hard sell to get a refuse centre anywhere."

However, other factors including potential noise disturbance for nearby residents were taken into account by officers recommending refusal, too. There were 10 letters of objection to the plans received from neighbouring residents.

Councillor Kevin Lagan said: "I am most concerned about the impact on the residents. If we supported this, it would contravene our policies."

The application was turned down with nine councillors voting for refusal and one voting against.