Plans for homes on the former Dovercourt Motors site at the junction of Fambridge Road have been turned down by Maldon district councillors.

Members of the central area planning committee refused the scheme by Chelsteen Homes Ltd despite officers' recommendation for approval.

The scheme, which includes six two-storey houses and 10 flats and associated parking, has already met with opposition from Maldon Town Council.

Members believed it was out of character with other buildings in the gateway location of the town centre, suggesting part of the site could be used as a cinema. A 300-signature petition had been received supporting a cinema proposal.

Officers had recommended approval of the scheme, subject to conditions, but district councillors refused it for a number of reasons, claiming it was contrary to the policy of retaining the site for employment use.

They were also concerned about the adequacy of the car parking and feared a block of flats was alien to the locality.

Director of Chelsteen Homes Ltd, Bill Poulton, said: "We spent months discussing it with the planning officers and their design consultant and an Essex County Council conservation officer.

"We carried out various amendments to the scheme to satisfy all those people, then the committee refused it, so we are rather surprised.

"Obviously we have got to take stock on why they refused it and then review the situation."

By Amanda Brandon

Reporter's e-mail: amanda.brandon@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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