OK for flats above shops

From the archive, first published Tuesday 3rd Apr 2007.

PLANNING permission has been granted for nine flats above a parade of shops.

Officers at Castle Point Council have given the go ahead to developer BPT Southern for the three-storey development above a building in Roseberry Walk, off Church Road, Thundersley. The scheme will consist of six two-bedroom and three one-bedroom flats, within a flat-roofed extension above the existing shops.

No parking has been provided for in the proposals.

Residents who objected to the plans, expressed concern over issues, including a potential increase in street parking and a lack of facilities for dealing with rubbish.

However, officers decided to approve the application under delegated powers.

A report by planning officers said: "No refuse facilities are shown at all in the proposal and that is a concern.

"However, a letter has now been received indicating the position of refuse storage bins that serve the existing adjoining occupiers and states there is adequate capacity to accommodate the proposed flats."