Town councillors voted to recommend refusal of a planning application for extensive works to one of Maldon's oldest homes as they felt they didn't have enough information.

Maldon District Council will now make the final decision on the proposed renovations at 'Josua', 4, Silver Street, previously known as 'Chandlers'.

At a meeting of Maldon Town Council's Planning Committee yesterday evening (Tuesday, 1 June), members expressed their disappointment that while there was a long and detailed report on the property and its history from the district's Conservation Officer, there was no opinion given by him on whether or not the planning application should be granted.

The proposed restorations to the Grade II listed house, thought to date back to the Fifteenth Century, include multiple works ranging from the reconfiguration of some of the indoor layout, the installation of a metal staircase and other works to the cellars, the demolition of a 20th Century lean-to and the replacement of windows with ones which are more historically appropriate, among a range of other works, both exterior and interior.

The meeting heard from both the applicant and one of the objectors to the plan.

The objector, introduced to the meeting as 'Suzannne', said: "The major works necessary are understandable, but must not serve as a distraction from the alarming changes in visual appearance."

She added: "The addition of steel doors and a staircase to the Georgian cellars is a brutal modern construction."

The applicant, Neil Bresler, spoke at the meeting to defend the plans.

He said: "Our intention is to retain as much of the historical fabric as possible.

"What we wanted to do was bring the house back to use as it was looking so forlorn. We would like to consider ourselves careful owners."

Mr Bresler also told the meeting that his plans were to use the house as an 'Airbnb' type property for holiday lets and other hire, and that the proposed work on the cellars was to help ensure that nearby residents would not be disturbed by potential noise from any celebratory events.

However, Chair of the meeting, Councillor Martin Harvey, reminded everyone present that what the house would be used for could not be a part of the consideration of the planning application, either positively or negatively.

Councillor Flo Shaughnessy said: "We do need something from the Conservation Officer - and we need to be careful about neatening up this beautiful building too much."