Maldon Town Council's Planning Committee has voted to recommend the refusal of plans to open a new restaurant in the former Post Office building in the High Street.

At a meeting on Monday (August 7), the Committee, chaired by Councillor John Driver, resolved to refuse the recommendation of planning approval for Salero Lounge in the town's former Post Office.

The Town Council says the proposal constitutes 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, has not been provided.

The Grade II listed building is in a conservation area; however no information has been provided from the Conservation Officer.

Maldon Town Council is "disappointed" there has been seemingly no consultation with residents in the flats above the premises.

A spokesperson told Nub News: "The reasons have been provided to Maldon District Council for review and assessment at its Central Planning meeting, as part of the UK planning application process.

"As a Town Council, we take our responsibility as a statutory consultee seriously and diligently with regard to the planning applications that come before our committee."

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

Loungers PLC plans to open Salero Lounge on September 27, providing planning permission is granted. (Photos: Loungers PLC)

Councillor Nigel Miller has agreed to "call in" the applications as they are in his Ward.

Resident Katie Mellia, who lives in a flat above the proposed restaurant, objects to the application.

"Fundamentally, there has been no thought given whatsoever to the residents and owners of the three flats at the old Post Office throughout the designs and plans," she said.

Concerns have also been raised about the potential for deliveries to be made in the High Street, which risks congesting the road further. Instead, Bull Lane is likely to be used.

"Bull Lane is a very narrow, bumpy and uneven lane not suitable for a large number of deliveries taking place in large and heavy vehicles," Miss Mellia added.

"There is inadequate space for delivery drivers to drop off and park, as well as zero access for turning."

A spokesperson for Loungers PLC said: "We are delighted to be coming to the beautiful High Street of Maldon and the subject property, which has been vacant for more than four years, is the perfect fit for us.

"We will work with the building's historic features, exposing them for the first time in many years and we continue a positive dialogue with the local planners in that regard."

What do you think of the plans? Would you like to see the Salero Lounge open, or do you think it is unsuitable? Get in touch to let us know.

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