This evening (October 16), Maldon Town Council's Planning Committee will discuss applications for the Salero Lounge restaurant, after applications were withdrawn last month.

The committee will debate four new applications in the Conference Hall at Maldon Town Hall, from 7.30pm.

Salero Lounge was set to open in Maldon's old Post Office on September 27. However, the opening was delayed, and two planning applications were withdrawn days before the district council was due to consider them.

At the time, a spokesperson for hospitality chain Loungers PLC told Nub News the delay was down to "water damage". However, they later said the delay was also partly down to planners not having "sufficient time" to consider their applications, causing them to be withdrawn.

"The planning applications, which relate only to our installation of plant and condenser units and not the use of the property, had been in for some time and various items of supporting information were added to the application through the process," a spokesperson said.

The restaurant had been due to open on September 27. Other Loungers venues are shown for illustration. (Credit: Loungers PLC)

However, a spokesperson for Maldon District Council told Nub News there were four applications in total, and Loungers failed to provide a Noise Impact Assessment in time.

"It did not receive the Noise Impact Assessment for the condenser units' planning application, which had been requested to be provided by Environmental Health, until two weeks before the September Central Area Planning Committee," they said.

"This was not enough time to fully evaluate the assessment and ensure residential amenity could be protected."

At a meeting in August 7, Maldon Town Council's Planning Committee, chaired by Councillor John Driver, resolved to refuse the recommendation of planning approval.

The Town Council said the proposal constituted an "unneighbourly form of development", likely to result in harm to the amenity of neighbouring residents. An Environmental Impact Assessment, explaining how to mitigate noise and disturbance, had not been provided.

This time, the town council will debate four new applications from Loungers PLC, relating to:

• Application 1: Installation of condenser units and full internal alterations/refurbishment.
• Application 2: Installation of condenser units and full internal alterations/refurbishment.
• Application 3: Advertisement consent for one externally illuminated fascia sign, one externally illuminated hanging sign, one internally illuminated menu board and lighting.
• Application 4: Installation of signage, changes to external materials including the repainting of doors and windows and glazing alterations. External stone cleaning.

The Town Council does not have the power to reject Loungers' applications, but it can recommend that Maldon District Council refuses planning permission.

Read more

• Maldon: Plaque unveiled to commemorate much missed 'The Cups' pub
• Maldon District: Police bust duo suspected of intending to sell drugs near Steeple
• In Case You Missed It: Langford collision appeal, Maldon Christmas Fayre line-up revealed, Travelodge evacuated, and more