£100m scheme too big for town (From Echo)

£100m scheme too big for town

9:04am Thursday 21st December 2006 in News By Rob Pritchard

The much-heralded Wickford masterplan has been dealt a blow after councillors threw out controversial plans for a "luxury" six-storey tower block.

Council deputy leader Tony Ball moved quickly to reassure residents the masterplan was not under threat, despite the unexpected refusal.

Developers Butie had hoped a £100million development, including 83 luxury flats, shops and restaurants, on car yards in Runwell Road would help kick-start the plan.

Basildon Council planning officers described the proposal as a "gateway" feature, welcoming people into the town centre and they recommended Butie's plans for conditional approval.

Yet the development control committee rejected the plan because members felt it would "over-develop and over-dominant" the area.

Mr Ball said: "In a way, I am not disappointed by the decision as it shows the planning committee is thinking about what is best for the district.

"Although I was generally in favour of this development, I can appreciate the reasons for it being turned down.

"The decision gives us the chance to go back and speak to the developers again to come up with something more suitable.

"I certainly don't think the masterplan is under threat at all, as there are a number of other developments in the pipeline for Wickford."

It is not the first time plans for the site has been thrown out. In July similar plans for 84 flats were refused.

The latest rejection delighted Wickford Cricket and Tennis Clubs, both of which voiced objections.

Stuart Clark, Wickford Tennis Club captain, said: "I would have to say we are pleased with this decision, as we were when the plans were originally thrown out in the summer.

"Although we had arranged a compensation package with the developer, we were never really in favour of this development."

Schemes passed so far include proposals to build 173 flats, shops, bars and restaurants in Lower Southend Road.