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

Applications received

1. Land west of Maypole Road, Heybridge

Endurance Estates Land Promotion Limited: Outline planning application with all matters of detail reserved except for means of access to the site for the construction of up to 45 dwellings, together with associated garaging, parking, public open space, landscaping, access, highways drainage and infrastructure works.

2. The Maldon Garden Centre Limited, Claremont Garden Centre, Bryants Lane, Woodham Mortimer, Maldon CM9 6TF

Variation of conditions 7 (foul drainage scheme) and 10 (construction management plan) on approved planning permission 22/00643/FUL (Construction of a building to be used as a cafe, office and staff room, greenhouse, new walkway, extended car park, improved internal vehicle access, new substation, relocated polytunnel, and associated landscaping).

3. Fieldway, Station Road, Wickham Bishops, Witham CM8 3JN

Variation of condition 2 on approved planning permission 22/00077/FUL (Proposed part single, part 2 storey dwelling to replace existing bungalow.)

4. Grain Drying Unit Approximately 60 Metres South East Of Barn Listed QV 8 129, Hall Farm, Hall Road, Southminster

Repair and alterations to building and change of use to up to four separate units for planning use Class E purposes. Works include the replacement of the roof, repairs to the masonry, internal insulation to the walls and floor, installation of a new load bearing first floor immediately above the existing floor, and installation of glazing to existing openings. Removal of one internal wall and creation of new internal openings. Removal of redundant machinery. Installation of new stairs and new services (including all new electrical works, plumbing, heating and installation of new toilet facilities). New external oil fired boiler and new heating oil storage tank. Installation of new hard surface to south east of barn to facilitate level access into building.

Applications approved

1. Maldon Coffee Company, 30A High Street, Maldon CM9 5PJ

Retrospective change of use from from mixed use (Sui generis) comprising A1 and A3 use to Class E ( b, a ) including expanding the seating area to the first floor.

2. Driftwood Coffee House, Units B and C, Wenlock Way, Maldon CM9 5AD

Application to vary Condition 1 of 08/00053/FUL. Extension to opening hours.

The hours of operation including deliveries shall only be undertaken between 8am and 6pm on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays and between 8am and 11am Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

3. Mill Cottage, Goldhanger Road, Heybridge CM9 4RA

Outline application with all matters reserved for a proposed replacement dwelling and open cart lodge.

4. 20 Devonshire Road, Burnham-On-Crouch CM0 8DR

Claim for lawful development certificate for conversion of the existing loft space by addition of dormers to the eastern and western elevations roof slopes.

Applications refused

1. Papa Johns, 68 High Street, Maldon CM9 5HY

Retrospective application for:

• Sign 1 - Aluminium tray sign vinyl wrapped with one set of non-illuminated built-up letters painted red (PAPA JOHNS). Illuminated by overhead trough light.
• Sign 2 - projecting sign. Illuminated by overhead trough lights mounted to bracket.
• Sign 3 - two off-frame sets of brushed stainless bars with illuminated poster frames both sides mounted internally in window void.
• Sign 4 - Pair of externally applied window vinyls applied to glazing.

Reason for refusal:

1. The design, size and positioning, combined with modern materials, lack of architrave surrounds, bright colour and excessive and cluttered arrangement of lettering is considered to be an incongruous addition that detracts from the site and the wider character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the Local Heritage Assets, consequently having an adverse effect on the amenity of the area. As such is the proposal is contrary to policies D1, D3 and D6 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan and the guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework and Section 71(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

2. Land at Hook Farm, Mundon Road, Mundon

Proposed demolition of existing commercial structures and construction of seven new dwellings with associated landscaping.

Reasons for refusal:

1. Insufficient evidence has been provided to the Local Planning Authority to determine the current lawful use of the proposed development site. As such, it is not possible for the Local Planning Authority to accurately assess whether a change of use would be acceptable at the site. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy S1, E1 and H4 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2017), and the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework (2021).
2. The proposed development is located outside of a defined settlement boundary and is in open countryside. The site is not considered to be in an accessible location and does not promote sustainable travel. Furthermore, by virtue of the domestication and urbanisation of the site, the proposed development is considered to appear as an incongruous and urban form of development that is out of keeping and will erode the intrinsic beauty of the open countryside. Further, the proposal does not satisfy the criteria required for the loss of a non-designated employment site and will cause harm to the natural environment. The principle of development has, therefore, been found to be unacceptable. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies S1, S2, S8, D1, D2, H4, N1, N2, T1, T2 and D2 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2017), the Maldon District Design Guide (2017), and the policies and guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework (2021).
3. The proposed development has not considered the context within which it will sit and will introduce a residential development with associated domestic paraphernalia that will be highly visible within the open countryside and at the street scene. The residential use will appear as visually intrusive, incongruous, urban, and out of keeping, and will cause material harm to the character and appearance of the rural area. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies S1, S8, D1 and H4 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2017), the Maldon District Design Guide (2017), and the policies and guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework (2021).
4. In the absence of a completed legal agreement pursuant to Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the necessary financial contribution towards the Essex Coast Recreational disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy has not been secured. As a result, the development would have an adverse impact on the European designated nature conservation sites, contrary to Policies S1, D1, N1 and N2 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2017), and the policies and guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework (2021).

3. Annexe Highlands, Burnham Road, Woodham Mortimer

Extension to an existing residential annexe.

Reasons for refusal:

1. The proposal would create an additional dwelling on a site located in a remote location with limited access to sustainable modes of transport to access everyday facilities and services, and as such would be reliant on the use of private vehicles. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies T1, T2, S1 and D1 of the approved Maldon District Local Development Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.
2. In the absence of a completed legal agreement pursuant to Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the necessary financial contribution towards Essex Coast Recreational disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy or an appropriate mitigation strategy to overcome the impacts of the development on the European designated nature conservation sites, has not been secured. The development would, therefore, have an adverse impact on those European designated nature conservation sites, contrary to Policies S1, D1, N1 and N2, of the approved Maldon District Local Development Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

4. High House, Old Heath Road, Althorne CM3 6EW

Claim for lawful development certificate for proposed use as overnight accommodation.

Reason for refusal:

1. The proposed use of High House to provide overnight accommodation for wedding guests would not be permitted development and would result in a material change of use from Use Class C3 (dwellinghouses) to Use Class C1 (hotels, boarding and guest houses) by virtue of The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment ) (England) Regulations 2020 for which planning permission is required.

What's On in the Maldon District: Easter activities, photography exhibition, quiz night, and more this weekend

Check out these great local events we've hand-picked for you to enjoy this weekend.

Read all about the great variety of family events happening in the Maldon District this Easter weekend.

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