On Wednesday I attended the council’s planning committee (Development Control), where a development of flats *5* storeys high (opposite Chalkwell Park) was before us. The developers wanted to demolish the building which currently houses the Furniture Outlet store and build block of 25 flats that would be 3 storeys higher that what is there already and 2 storeys higher than the other buildings nearby.
I spoke up very strongly about this development. Back in 2008 the developers asked for 5 storeys and were told no. In 2009 they asked for 4 storeys and were (just!) told yes – not necessarily a decision I would have gone for. So I think it is a bit rude of them to come back with a very similar application for 5 storeys in 2011! If this application had been approved the impact on local residents (and over 100 wrote in to the council objecting) would have been huge. The properties behind the building (in Wellington Avenue) would have been overshadowed.
Fortunately the committee unanimously rejected the application!
Also yesterday I supported the application for Southend to have a casino at the Park Inn Palace Hotel, where around 120 jobs will be created – well needed for the town. (See page 2 of the echo 13th October)