Colchester Council considers hundreds of planning applications every year.
They range from chopping down trees to building extensions, new houses and changes to shops and businesses.
Here, we look at projects recently decided by the council this week.
Halfords, Peartree Road, Stanway
What is it?
Halfords has applied for two internally illuminated signs and two non-illuminated signs for its shopfront.
It also sought after permission for an orange LED light strip to be installed at the site.
What did the council say?
It granted permission for the application to go ahead, provided the signs were only lit up during the shop’s opening hours.
They must also be maintained in a “clean and tidy” and “safe” condition.
Land east of Albert Street, Colchester
What is it?
The proposal included nine dwellings, consisting of four, three bedroom houses, four, two bedroom houses and one, one bedroom apartment on land east of Albert Street.
The site has been owned by Colbert Developments for 17-years and has been used to store building materials, however it is now overgrown with vegetation.
What did the council say?
The plans were withdrawn by the applicant at the end of November amid scores of objections from both Essex County Council and residents.
Land adjacent to Hospytts, The Causeway, Great Horkesley
What is it?
The plans were for the construction of three, two-storey holiday homes with associated parking near a Grade II Listed building.
The development also pledged to implement the addition of cycle storage and electrical car vehicle charging stations to encourage sustainable transportation utilisation.
What did the council say?
The council refused the plans, stating they had “no convincing evidence” there is a need for tourism uses in this area and/or there is a lack of tourism facilities within nearby villages.
The proposed site was deemed an inappropriate location for tourism due to the unsafe walking and cycling access to facilities and services.
It was also deemed to be in too close proximity to the Grade II Listed Building known as Hospytts.
Firs Chase, West Mersea
What is it?
A family planned to change the use of a building in their garden into a bnb, having already been taking bookings for “around 10-15 nights a month”.
The council’s planning department advised the applicant to apply for a change of use to bnb.
What did the council say?
Despite the planning department’s supposed advice, the council refused the application on the basis it would be “detrimental” to neighbours as a result of associated noise and disturbance.
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