A planning application which outlined proposals for the erection of eight residential properties behind a Maldon High Street shop has been refused.

The application sought permission to build homes on land at the rear of High Street retailer The Emporium. The land had previously been used as a garden centre and now operates as an extension on the shop.

The plans outlined two one-bedroom apartments, two two-bedroom apartments, one two-bedroom house and three three-bedroom houses. It also proposed 14 parking spaces with vehicular access provided by existing access from Butt Lane public car park.

The decision notice given by Maldon District Council yesterday (May 21) cited several reasons for refusal, including that the proposals would result in a "cramped and contrived" form of development.

The Emporium have updated customers on their future plans via signage inside the shop. This image was taken earlier this week, before the planning decision had been made.

While almost all Internal Consultees had no objection to the plans, the Urban Design Place Officer and Maldon Town Council both cited issues.

Maldon Town Council expressed concern that no change of use application had been submitted, considering the application would be changing the land's function from a 'retail' space to 'residential'.

Whereas the Place Officer objected to the layout, design and 'potential compromising of the function of the town centre'.

The Emporium, which is a family-run business and has been operating for over 50 years, has been waiting for permission for the development since November last year.

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