Homes plan for Heybridge Basin ex boat building yard refused

Loftus - Macron Securities Limited had submitted an application to Maldon District Council to demolish existing buildings at the former Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Boat Building Yard in Lock Hill - and to build five new two-bed work-live homes.

Plans also included hard and soft landscaping works.

Each home would have had enhanced home-working space on the ground floor, and a kitchen, living room and two bedrooms at first floor.

The site is located within the Heybridge Basin Conservation Area.

There is a long planning history associated with the redevelopment of the site since its commercial use has ceased, but applications have been unsuccessful.

The applicant's agent, HAT Projects Ltd, says in the planning statement: "The proposed development includes the demolition of the existing visually unattractive buildings."

It adds: "The proposal would visually enhance the character and appearance of the street scene and, by extension, that of the conservation area and make a significant contribution towards the district’s housing needs by providing five small homes for which there is an identified shortage."

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But the application proved controversial, receiving 33 objections on the district council's online planning portal.

One resident who objected to the proposal said: "I have so many objections to this planning application I will list a few and then I wish the Heybridge Basin Conservation Society to represent me."

The proposed elevation looking east

Listing their reasons, they say: "It is in a zone three flood risk area. The idea that the ground floor will not be adapted to living space is preposterous.

"The character of the building is not in keeping with the surrounding buildings which are in a sensitive Conservation Area.

"The buildings are too high. The adjacent canal walls are leaking and unstable. There is not enough provision for parking. There is absolutely no benefit to the village."

The planning application was refused permission on November 30 for a number of reasons.

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These include limited access to services and facilities, parking concerns, loss of employment land with "insufficient justification" provided, and it being "out-of-keeping with the existing development within the immediate vicinity of the site and the wider area".

The planning authority also adds the proposal would cause "significant harm" to the residential amenities of existing properties to the east of the site by "reason of a loss of privacy" due to the first-floor bedroom window proposed on the eastern elevation.

It was also concerned over the site being in a tidal flood zone 3a which has the highest risk of flooding.