PLANS to build five new two-bedroomed homes with workshop spaces at the Boat Building Yard in Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin, have been given the thumbs-down from parish councillors.

At a meeting of the full council last night (Tuesday, 23 June), the newly-elected Heybridge Basin Parish Council voted to recommend rejection of the plans - which have so far also received objections from The Maldon Society and The Conservation Society, among others.

However, the parish council is a consultee only for the plans - and it is Maldon District Council that will make the decision.

The Environment Agency has put in a "holding objection" to the plans because of concerns over flooding (the site is designated 'zone 3a high risk' for flooding) and potential land contamination.

The proposals include demolition of the existing boat yard buildings and construction of five two-bed residential dwellings, with associated hard and soft landscaping works.

There have been previous applications for residential development at the site (separate from this application) which have been turned down at appeal.

Speaking at last night's meeting, Councillor Rob Bryson said: "I cannot believe that something so out of keeping with the Conservation Area and the neighbouring cottages has been proposed. To me it looks like something from Gone With the Wind."

You can see the plans and other associated application documents by using the link to the Maldon District Council website here.