Controversial plans for a home at historic Taylor's Yard on the Hythe have been refused by Maldon councillors, but a floating jetty can go-ahead.

About 130 letters of objection were received against the home scheme, compared to 13 in support.

Maldon Town Council also objected to plans to demolish the existing shed and toilet block and convert the existing sail loft into a home.

Applicants Colin and Catherine Knox believe that a residence would reinforce the waterside use of Taylor's Yard and provide greater security to boat owners using Taylor's Yard.

They added that the proposed toilet/shower block would also provide an improvement to facilities for the owners of boats moored at the yard, and were prepared to agree to a condition that the residential part of the proposals could only be occupied by the owner, leaseholder or employee of the yard.

But members of Maldon District Council's central area planning committee last week refused the scheme, saying that it was "not appropriate waterside use of this important site adjacent to the Blackwater and would be contrary to the provisions of the adopted Maldon District Local Plan."

However, they did approve a replacement floating jetty at Taylor's Yard. Officers said in a report: "This proposal would reinforce an existing waterside use of Taylor's Yard.

"The proposal would also preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and would not prejudice the nature conservation interests or landscape quality of the area."

Members agreed the jetty subject to provision being made for off-street car parking within the yard site, clear of the grass area.

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