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

Applications received

1. New site at former Mill Beach, Goldhanger Road, Heybridge

Variation of conditions 2 (approved drawings), 6 (approved layout), 7 (cladding materials) and 18 (no structure, tents etc) of planning permission 20/01216/FUL (Removal of condition 5 and variation of conditions 2 and 6 on approved planning application 19/01164/FUL (Demolition of existing and erection of a replacement public house (class A4), with a first-floor apartment, and change of use of land for the siting of 12 holiday lodge caravans.)) to allow revised site layout and external materials along with addition of garages, solar panels, green roofs, electric vehicle charging points, hot tubs and roof terraces

2. Land at Fairfield, Old Heath Road, Southminster

Application for a private-use stable block with six stables including tack/feed room and washdown area, a 20 by 40-metre arena, re-use and relocate existing outbuilding for maintenance equipment and hay storage, muck clamp and associated fencing and hardstanding and access track.

3. St Olaf, Tudwick Road, Tiptree CO5 0SD

An application for the erection of single-storey rear extension.

4. Land adjacent 7 Granger Avenue, Maldon

An application for the erection of a semi-detached dwelling.

5. Land east of Kelvedon Road, Great Totham

Continued use of land for the siting of a mobile coffee van.

6. North Mead, Maldon Road, Bradwell-On-Sea CM0 7HX

Single storey side extension, porch, fenestration alterations, conversion of garage and internal alterations. Detached three-bay carport. Detached workshop. Creation of new access.

Applications approved

1. The Plume School, Fambridge Road, Maldon CM9 6AB

Partial demolition and reconstruction of section of school workshop.

2. Tyndales Farm, Southend Road, Woodham Mortimer

Section 73A application for Change of Use of land and agricultural buildings to mixed Class E(g)/B8 Use (Commercial, Business and Service).

3. Plume Library, Market Hill, Maldon CM9 4PZ

Inner doors to tower base entrance. Permanent posts to replace temporary Acrow props to support Plume Library floor and book collection loads.

4. Outbuilding at The Orchards 2A Lea Lane, Great Braxted

Construction of a new day room to replace the existing outbuilding.

Applications refused

1. Land adjacent Darracott, Summerhill, Althorne

An application for a new two-bedroom dwelling.

Reasons for refusal:

1. 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. By virtue of the domestication and urbanisation of the site, which would be readily visible at the street scene, the proposed development is considered to appear as an incongruous form of development that will erode the intrinsic beauty of the open countryside. The principle of development has, therefore, been found to be unacceptable. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies S1, S8, D1, H4, 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).
2. The application site lies within a rural location outside of the defined settlement boundary of Althorne, where policy restraints apply. The site forms a punctuated gap in the landscape and contributes positively to the rural character and appearance of the area. The proposed development, with its associated garden land, parking area and domestic paraphernalia, would be highly visible at the street scene and within the open countryside. This is considered to erode the rural character and appearance of the site and introduce an urban form of development that would adversely impact on the intrinsic character and beauty of the open countryside and would cause harm to the character and appearance of the site's rural setting. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies S1, S8, 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. There has been no ecological assessment submitted to support this proposal. The site is in an amber risk zone for Great Crested Newts and a potential suitable waterbody is within 250 metres of the site. The site also comprises of unmanaged grassland. In the absence of such ecological information, it is not possible to fully assess the impact of the proposal, particularly on a European Protected Species. The Local Planning Authority is therefore not able to demonstrate compliance with its statutory duties, including its biodiversity duty under s40 NERC Act 2006 and prevent wildlife crime under s17 Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Additionally, no biodiversity enhancement measures are identified. The proposal has been found to be contrary to Policies S1, S8, N1 and N2 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (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).

2. 57 Crescent Road, Heybridge CM9 4SJ

Oak tree - Crown raise to four metres, reduce crown overhang by three metres to balance tree, crown cleanse by further removing crossing branches and deadwood.

Reason for refusal:

1. The proposed works are considered to be excessive. If carried out the works would result in a negative impact upon the health of the affected tree and the associated amenity value of the trees may be lost in the future to the detriment of the area. Furthermore, there has been insufficient justification provided for the severity of the proposed works.

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