The owners of Maldon's Emporium say they were "surprised and disappointed" following the refusal of an application that they'd hoped would fund the shop's regeneration.

The application, crafted by developer Patten Homes Ltd , proposed the construction of eight residential properties behind the High Street retailer, each with its own car parking and patio garden.

Owners Mary and Graham Powell had hoped the sale of the land to the developer would finance the refurbishment of the main store, which has been operating as a half-price clearance shop for nearly two years.

Despite six of the eight statutory consultees raising no objection to the plans, six months after the application had been received, it was refused. 

In an exclusive interview with Maldon Nub News, Mary spoke of her frustration: "We want to improve The Emporium and make really good use of the space. I think it would be a real benefit for the High Street.

"We need to do some significant refurbishment and need funds from the sale of the back to finance that."

The shop have been selling items at half the listed price for two years now.

The decision notice given by Maldon District Council last month cited several reasons for refusal, including that the proposals would result in a "cramped and contrived" form of development, as well as concerns the plans would potentially "compromise the function of the town centre."

However, the couple say the original planning officer in charge of the case had suggested that she was in support of the application, ahead of her leaving council employment in February 2025.

They also say they were frustrated that the developer had been denied a pre-application meeting with the planning department, which would have provided the opportunity to discuss any issues which may have resulted in the refusal.

To make matters worse, Maldon District Council Planning delayed the decision by 15 weeks.

The couple have updated shoppers through signs around The Emporium shop. (Credit: Chloe Brewster)

The Powells had originally hoped to retire in 2023 after 30-years of operating the shop, but struggled to find a single retailer to take over.

Now, despite local interest in turning the shop into an indoor market, it looks like this redevelopment will take longer than expected.

Mary said: "We're extremely grateful for the support and the goodwill towards us by the community.

"But you know, it's not easy. Our retirement is being delayed and we're just carrying on because there is no other option." 

The couple have now submitted an official complaint against Maldon District Council's Planning Department. The complaint outlines perceived "inefficiency, incompetence and lack of communication" and calls the department "not fit for purpose."

Alongside this, the developer has appealed last month's decision, meaning the application will now go to the planning inspectorate to consider.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council told Nub News: "The Council acknowledges that a formal complaint has been made by a member of the public concerning the determination of a planning application behind The Emporium in High Street, Maldon. 

"This is now being considered as part of the council's complaints procedure, so it is not therefore appropriate to comment until that has been concluded."