It was a long meeting last night (finished just before 10 pm). Briefly:
Replace Car Showroom by a 50 bed nursing home, 246 London Road Rayleigh. REFUSED -because of the impact on neighbouring properties and lack of parking -only 11 spaces on site.
Demolish existing care home, build new care home and 46 houses, Timber Grove, London Road, Rayleigh. REFUSED It was refused on green belt grounds, insufficient affordable housing, and not enough information on the Flood Risk assessment.
The ward councillors, Toby Mountain and Joan Mockford supported approval, and Toby spoke very persuasively. he might have won the vote, except that the planning officers couldn’t confirm whether this housing would count towards the 550 in West Rayleigh. (in fact the officers doubted it).
New chalets at Brandy Hole Yacht Club, Hullbridge REFUSED. However the only reason for refusal was the need for more ecological information.
New house, 233 Rectory Road, Hawkwell. APPROVAL. Clearly after some work by the ward councillors (Christine and John Mason) , officers, and residents to sort out some issues.
New bungalow at rear of 24 and 26 Stambridge Road Rochford. REFUSED This was a case of backland development (which is allowed in some circumstances) . But after a speech from a neighbour, and then speeches by ward members Gill Lucas Gill and Keith Gordon, the councillors were very definitely persuaded that this one didn’t apply with our policies, would have a bad impact on neighbours and set a nasty precedent for other backland development in Stambridge Road.