See below for this week's key planning applications in the Maldon District, received or decided on by the Council.

Applications received

1. Bentalls Shopping Centre, Colchester Road, Heybridge 

Lime Tree - Remove low minor epicormic regrowth hanging low over footpath/parking area to a height of 2.5 metres, prune branches back by 0.5 metres covering lighting by pruning to the nearest suitable growth point, while maintaining the natural shape to this area of the crown.

2. Land north of End Way Farmhouse, Southminster Road, Asheldham

Change of use of land from paddock to residential and erection of four three-bedroom wheelchair-accessible bungalows with detached garages.

3. Drakkar Wharf, The Square, Heybridge

Change of use and associated construction works to create two apartments on the ground floor of the existing building.

4. Land northwest of Maldon Hall Farm, Spital Road, Maldon

Variation of conditions relating to planning permission 17/01106/FUL. Proposed development of an energy storage system for a temporary period of 20 years from the date of first import/export of electricity. Comprising a battery compound with battery storage and ancillary equipment, two electricity compounds with ancillary equipment, fencing, access track, underground cabling and other associated works and infrastructure, including hedgerow and tree planting.

5. Next, Unit 3, Blackwater Retail Park, The Causeway, Maldon CM9 4DY

Three new fascia 'NEXT' signs to replace the existing signs.

Applications approved

1. The Jolly Sailor Public House, Basin Road, Heybridge Basin CM9 4RS

Proposed removal of an existing window and a section of existing outer wall to the rear of the existing Public House and the installation of new timber framed sliding folding doors.

2. Eight Acre Farm, Birchwood Road, Cock Clarks CM3 6RF

Proposed outbuilding consisting of a three-bay car port, gym, w/c and games room.

3. 5 Norfolk Close, Maldon CM9 6BA

An application for a garage conversion. Front, side and rear single storey extensions.

Applications refused

1. Maldon Baptist Church, Butt Lane, Maldon CM9 5HD

Replacement of rotten timber clerestory windows to church hall/schoolroom.

Reason for refusal:

The materials proposed (UPVC) would be highly visible at the street scene and would not enhance or preserve the character and appearance of the Maldon Conservation Area. This would cause a notable level of harm and this has not been outweighed by any public benefit. This is contrary to Policies D1 and H4 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2017), the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework (2021), and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

2. St Peters Court, Spital Road, Maldon CM9 6LF

Proposed first floor extension to the nursing home to include 18 new bedrooms and alterations to the existing building.

Reasons for refusal:

• The development, as a result of the height and width of the extensions proposed along with their proximity to the boundary of the site and the first floor bedroom windows proposed, would result in harm to the occupiers of the neighbouring residential properties by reason of overdominance, loss of outlook and a loss of privacy, contrary to Policies D1 and H4 of the approved Maldon District Local Development Plan and the NPPF.
• 10 of the additional bedrooms proposed would be provided with a single external window which would be of opaque glass and fixed closed up to a height of 1.5m. As a result of this restricted outlook, the development would not provide an adequate quality of life for the residents of these bedrooms, contrary to Policies H3 and D1 of the approved Maldon District Local Development Plan and the NPPF.
• The development would not make adequate provision for off-street parking, thereby failing to accommodate the demand for parking which, in turn, will lead to the increased likelihood of cars parking off-site in adjoining streets and elsewhere within the Hospital grounds potentially causing conditions of obstruction, congestion and danger to residents and other road users, contrary to Policies T2 and D1 of the Maldon District Approved Local Development Plan.

3. 1 Blue Mills Cottages, Blue Mills Hill, Wickham Bishops CM8 3FB

Proposed two storey side and rear extension, relocation of porch and cover for parking spaces.

Reasons for refusal:

• The proposed development, by reason of its design, bulk, scale height and siting would be an incongruous addition that would cause detrimental harm to the character and appearance of the dwellinghouse, the semi-detached pair and the surrounding areang, contrary of Policies D1 and H4 of the Maldon Approved Local Development Plan and the guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.
• The development would not provide a sufficient number of off-street car parking spaces for the dwelling and so would fail to accommodate the parking demand that would be generated which, in turn, is likely to lead to cars parking on the highway, potentially causing conditions of obstruction, congestion and danger to pedestrians and other road users, contrary to Policies T2 and D1 of the Maldon District Approved Local Development Plan and the Maldon District Vehicle Parking Standards SPD.