A RESTAURANT’S bid to build an extension to grow the business has been rejected by council planners after fears were raised over its “harmful erosion” to a conservation area.

China Chef, in Crouch Street, Colchester, had sought permission from Colchester Council for the building of a single-story rear extension to the restaurant.

The business said the extension would allow space for “much-needed” expansion.

A statement in support of the application said the extension would “increase turnover and allow them to employ more local residents”.

It adds: “The proposed extension, its form and nature will not overlook any nearby properties nor will it affect the visual look to the conservation area.”

The restaurant said the noise from building the extension would be “no greater” than noise generated by other businesses in the area.

The statement said the rear of the restaurant, where the planned extension would be built, is an “unused area, causing an eyesore for residents on Manor Road”.

The council had received nine objections to the plans.

One objector said: “The building is still in a conservation area and the property must adhere to that.

“The building and operation of this extension will have a wider impact on the conservation area and its neighbours.

“During the building of this extension the single-laned, one-way Manor Road will be continually and regularly blocked by construction vehicles and deliveries.

“Once this has been completed the operation of a larger restaurant will only lead to more traffic and disruption on Manor Road.”

In its reasons for refusal, the council said: “By virtue of the proposed extension’s layout, scale, materiality and general form it is anticipated to read as both a visually disruptive and incongruous addition.

“For the same reasons and as a result of the extension's position and proximity to No.75 Crouch Street, the proposal would result in harm to the setting of this listed building, through a harmful erosion of its setting.

“As a result of the harm identified the proposal would also result in wider harm to the character and appearance of Colchester conservation area 2.”

The Gazette has contact China Chef for comment.