Plans for luxury apartments at Granary in Maldon scrapped

Plans to rip down a former mill known as the Granary in Station Road, Maldon, would have seen it make way for ten one to three-bedroom luxury apartments and five studio spaces.

Officers from Maldon District Council slammed the development, saying it would be out of keeping with the surrounding listed buildings in the area.

Planning officer Paul Dodson said: “The proposed development would make no provision for affordable housing and it has not been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority that the development would not be financially viable if provision of affordable housing was to be made.”

The application received more than 50 comments from residents, all but two of which called for the plans to be scrapped.

Maldon resident Sarah O’Riordan said although she saw positives in the proposal, the building should be preserved.

She added: “The Granary is an iconic building on the riverside in Maldon.

“I understand more housing is necessary in the town but with skilful architectural input I am sure the conversion of the Granary into living accommodation would be feasible.

“The resulting flats would be both a pleasure to live in and would maintain an imposing building well-known to Maldon residents.”

Developer Allan Wiseman said the plans had been put together from careful assessment and research and would be a key part of the Fullbridge regeneration.

In his design and access statement, Mr Wiseman said: “The proposal regenerates this redundant waterfront land and safeguards the creation of a new riverside walk along the North bank of the Chelmer.”

Originally 11 apartments were proposed for the space but one was later removed.

The apartments would have also been situated beside a flour mill which is still in use, and many residents were concerned this would cause noise complaints.

Resident Reginald Clarke added: “Residential development will not mix well in a commercial area. More than 50 jobs could be at risk.”