Plans for ‘gateway’ tower block shelved (From Echo)

Plans for ‘gateway’ tower block shelved

2:55pm Friday 4th August 2006 in News By Jon Austin

Plans to develop 84 homes as a "gateway" to Wickford, hoped to kickstart the town's masterplan, have been refused.

Basildon Council shelved plans from developer Butie Ltd for the five-storey tower block, shops and restaurants on car yards in Runwell Road.

The development control committee raised issues of concern about the impact of neighbouring tennis and cricket clubs, lack of car parking and the height of the building.

The meeting heard how following talks with Wickford Cricket Club and Wickford Lawn Tennis Club, the developer has agreed to plough £140,000 towards improvements at the Patmore Memorial Sports, including resurfacing all three tennis courts.

It would also pay £10,000 towards local Scout groups, £150,000 to improve the junction with Swan Lane, Runwell Road and £650,000 for affordable homes elsewhere in the district.

Chairman John Turnbull said: "Wickford Cricket Club is a vibrant and thriving club with a unique ground which is like a village green in a town setting.

"We were very anxious about the impact on our ground, but have now agreed a reasonable compensation."

The tennis club had also accepted the offer.

However, Lib Dem Nethermayne councillor Ben Williams said there was no evidence of changes to parking and the scale of the project.

Resident Alan Ball, said the building was completely out of character to the town and said concerns raised at the previous meeting had yet to be addressed.

Lynda Gordon, Lee Chapel North Labour councillor, who previously described the proposal as a "monstrosity" said it now looked like a prison and would not be a suitable gateway for the town.

Sylvia Buckley, committee chairman, moved to recommend approval, but with just two colleagues backing her and five against the plan was rejected on grounds of the scale and design of the building.

Mr Turnbull looked disappointed at the news, but cricket club B captain Tim Campbell said he was pleased as it would have "spoiled the character of the grounds".