A Maldon town councillor has spoken of her outrage at those who ask for planning permission after building work has gone ahead.

Councillor Carlie Mayes spoke out at a meeting of Maldon Town Council's Planning Committee yesterday (Monday, 16 November) evening when debating a planning application to add roof windows to a new single-storey building to the rear of 119, High Street. The development sits within a designated Conservation Area.

The applicant had permission for the one-storey development, but the siting of windows in the roof was not allowed. The addition of the skylights would allow for the creation of a first-floor study/office area with a smaller room for a toilet and washbasin.

Councillor Michael Pearlman and Councillor Peter Stilts commented that the extra work appeared to be at an advanced stage already.

Councillor Mayes, whose ward the new development sits within, said: "I am fed up with people just building stuff in the High Street and then seeking retrospective permission. It isn't acceptable and I'm 100 per cent for refusal."

Councillor Peter Stilts added that he felt a report on the development by the district council's Conservation Officer was needed.

The committee - which cannot make the final decision on the plans but can recommend permission or refusal to Maldon District Council – voted to give the plans for the roof windows and extra rooms the thumbs down, on the grounds that the permission being sought was retrospective and with a request for a report from the Conservation Officer.

However, within documents submitted by the applicant to support the plans, it is argued that the property would remain a one-bedroomed home, no alteration to the size or height of the building would be required and that the single parking space would be adequate, given the availability of nearby car parks and ease of access to local amenities.