OPPOSITION to a planning application which will see a new restaurant built in Heybridge Basin have voiced their displeasure at the unnecessary plans.

An application has been made to Maldon District Council to demolish the old United Reform Church, on Basin Road, and replace it with a similar sized restaurant or café.

The proposal has met opposition from local residents who feel that the site will create problems for those living near it, as well as being unnecessary.

One objector said: “The site is on a dangerous corner with the access road to Daisy Meadow car park. It is close to residential housing and the site is surrounded by a private road on one side and a no parking access road on the other. There would be nowhere for vehicles to stop and make deliveries.

“I would like to suggest that the residents of Chapel Lane should be offered the opportunity to purchase the site to use as a car park as their properties have no off street parking and Daisy Meadows is full and overflowing.

“The car park is in a state of anarchy on fine weather weekends with residents unable to leave or access their properties on occasion.

“Heybridge Basin is a small port at the end of a narrow road that was never intended to cope with the number of visitors it now attracts. Another restaurant will only exacerbate the problem.”

Another resident suggested the restaurant was not needed, due to a tea room, two pubs and a kiosk already being available within walking distance of the proposed site.