A planning application for a convenience store in Rochford was passed at the development control committee meeting last Thursday evening. It’s for a Sainsbury Local in West Street, almost opposite the Railway Station. There will also be some flats above.
This was one of those occasions when the ward councillors for Rochford disagreed. Sue Harper was reasonably satisfied with the scheme. However Keith Gordon moved refusal – he was unhappy about a number of issues, especially the appearance of the new building and details of the car parking arrangements for shoppers and flatowners. James Cottis seconded the refusal.
When the vote was taken for refusal there was a tie – eleven votes each!. So the chairman Simon Smith had the casting vote. He voted against the refusal, and the scheme was then passed.