At the District Council Development Committee tonight there were 4 decisions taken:
First of all, there was a scheme for 5 homes in Hawkwell, on a narrow strip of land between Park Gardens and Hawkwell Park Drive. There was a good cross-party discussion on the planning merits of this one. The general feeling was that it was over-development, as evinced by the possible impact on two oak trees, and because the sewer would have to be under council land, rather than under land owned by the applicant. Ward councillors John and Christine Mason successfully moved refusal.
Next was an application for a new gatehouse at the entrance to “The Lawns” in Rochford. The old one was built in a rush at the start of World War 2. It has a fine architectural design but was of poor build quality (eg no dampcourse) and has become uninhabitable. The question was , was the proposed replacement building of sufficient architectural quality for such a location? Officers felt it wasn’t well-designed, but most members felt it was. Ward councillor Gill Lucas Gill successfully moved approval.
Third on the list was a proposal for a new takeaway in London Road Rayleigh, on the corener of Danbury Road. A previous application with opening hours until 11pm was refused by an inspector. However this new scheme was for opening hours until only 7 pm and was passed tonight
Finally, there was an application for a second smoking shelter at the Chichester in Rawreth. This was refused on Green Belt grounds.