Council planners recommend conservation area flats plan is refused

10:10am Tuesday 7th October 2008

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AN eight-storey block of flats proposed for the Leas, Westcliff, has been recommended for refusal by council planners.

The plans for 21 flats would mean the demolition of three houses, two of which have been converted into flats.

Southend councillors will discuss the plans at a development control meeting tomorrow.

Head of planning Steve Kearney said there had been 29 letters of objection, mainly because the scheme was felt to be out of keeping within the Crowstone Conservation Area.

Milton Conservation Society also objected, saying the conservation area would be “effectively wiped out” by the proposals, and the buildings were an important part of the town. Mr Kearney said: “The scheme is eight storeys and would, therefore, completely change the scale of the street blocks in the conservation area.

“It would dominate buildings to the west and, in particular, Crowstone House which is a locally listed building.

“It is, therefore, considered a building of this scale is unacceptable in principle and does not satisfy the requirements of the design and townscape guide.”

There was also concern neighbouring homes would be overlooked.

Mr Kearney added: “It is imperative any new development is of a high quality in such a location. Any new development should preserve or enhance the character of the conservation area.”