Research by flooring retailer Leader Floors has found that Maldon is the hardest place to get planning permission, with more than 40% of all planning requests denied.

Leader Floors examined planning application data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, over a period of eight years. It analysed data from more than 300 district planning authorities, including Cornwall, Durham, and Stratford-upon-Avon.

However, Maldon came out on top for the highest proportion of rejections.

Out of a total of 12,126 applications, just 7,227 were granted.

On Facebook, the news was met with mixed reactions from Maldon residents.

One user asked: "If that is the case, then how are there so many new estates being built?"

Another said: "I would say just the opposite when it comes to the major house builders."

Kieran Stephens said, "Just explain to the council that your new extension will actually be a Costa, and you have your permission."

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Local resident Christine Main applied to have a balcony built on her riverside apartment, but was denied permission.

Mrs Main told Nub News: "We had an application which everyone, including the town council, supported but was refused on the recommendation of a Maldon District Council planning officer."

The application was rejected because it 'failed to preserve or enhance the special character of the conservation area'. This was despite planning permission already being granted for a balcony on a different level in the same building, although it was never constructed.

Last month, Maldon District Council approved the first 160 of a proposed 1,138 new homes as part of the Heybridge North Garden Suburb development. The authority considered the application by Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd for land in Maypole Road, Heybridge.

Click here if you wish to view the data analysed by Leader Floors.

About Leader Floors

Leader Floors is one of the UK's leading floor manufacturers and retailers. Based in Hartlepool, in north-east England, it sells a variety of flooring, including the highest quality laminate, high gloss, engineered and solid real wood flooring ranges.