Maldon Town Council has voted to recommend approval of a proposal to form two new houses on Church Street, and to extend another property.

Members of the town council's planning committee voted on Monday (26 July) to approve the plans to make alterations to 9 Church Street and to convert 7 Church Street, the former Anchor Guest House, into two houses.

Councillor Martin Harvey said: "It will make three nice-looking cottages."

Works proposed by the applicant include a roof extension to 9 Church Street. The plans for 7 Church Street involve the demolition of rear flat roof extensions, the construction of new single-storey and two-storey rear extensions and a roof extension.

This will create one two-bedroom property and two three-bedroom houses.

The discussion centred on how the proposal would improve the attractiveness of the current street scene.

Councillor Michael Pearlman said: "It looks unsightly at the moment. It can only improve it."

Councillor Harvey added: "I think it makes it look neater."

The councillors also noted that the proposal would change the height of the building, and that this follows the trend of many buildings having gone up to three storeys on the High Street.

Councillor Flo Shaughnessy said: "They've probably had to go up another storey for adequate living space."

As Maldon District Council's conservation officer has yet to comment on the application, Councillor Pearlman recommended the plans for approval, subject to comment from the officer.

Councillor Tony Shrimpton seconded the proposal, which was voted through unanimously. Maldon District Council will make the final decision.