Councillors to debate Maldon High Street development which could see more homes on top of Poundstretcher
Town councillors will debate plans to build extra homes on top of Poundstretcher on Maldon High Street next week.
Simon Finkelstein, from Sparkstone Management, wants to build three one-bedroom and five two-bedroom apartments over the first and second floors of the building, at 67 Maldon High Street, which houses the popular discount store on its ground floor.
Mr Finkelstein was granted permission in October 2019 for a development of five new homes in the building, but his latest application proposes extra homes and more green space.
A statement submitted with the new application says it is a "more commercially viable proposal for the site" and "greatly improves the outlook from neighbouring residential properties".
It says: "At national level, there is a decline in footfall on our high streets and an increase in footfall at out-of-town retail parks.
"Increasing the density of housing within town centres supports the economy of our high streets and public transport networks. Maldon High Street has not escaped this risk of decline."
The first-floor storage area currently used by Poundstretcher would be demolished to make way for the homes and replaced by extending the ground-floor retail unit.
The statement says the plans would "make the retail unit more efficient in operation as it will be entirely at ground floor level".
It continues: "The intention is to create a modern intervention which takes its place in the architectural chronology of the town."
Eight new parking spaces - one for each home - are proposed for the development, alongside two existing spaces for retail staff and cycle parking.
Areas that were previously approved for retail storage have been reduced under the latest plans, allowing for a communal garden for residents.
The homes are all categorised as market housing and would be accessed by Old Mill Close - a pedestrian side street off the main high street.
The planning committee at Maldon Town Council will vote on whether to recommend the proposal for approval or rejection next Monday (7 March).
Maldon District Council will then make the final decision.
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