PROPOSALS for a new Thai takeaway in Mill Road have been rejected by Maldon District Council (MDC) planning officers.

The application for change of use of the former Maldon Second Hand and Antiques Centre at 132, Mill Road, had attracted more than 30 written objections from residents.

Muhammed Uddin was the applicant.

Maldon Town Council - consultees in the planning process - had recommended that the plans were approved.

However, both Essex Highways and MDC's Environmental Health Officer raised concerns over the proposals.

In a statement giving reasons for refusal, MDC's planning department concluded: "It has not been demonstrated that the development would not have an undue impact on neighbouring occupiers by way of noise impacts that would be generated from the opening hours, customers and vehicles, and odour impacts from the proposed use."

The report also found that it had "not been demonstrated that there would be sufficient parking at the site for the proposed use.

"The proposal, by reason of the use proposed and its location, will likely result in parked vehicles overhanging the footway, creating an unacceptable degree of hazard to the detriment of general highway safety."