CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a fence on an existing sea wall have been refused.

The planning application refused by Maldon District Council hoped to revise prior approved plans at The Old Clubhouse on the Quay in Burnham.

They hoped to add the new fence to their previously approved plans to extend and refurbish the site.

And the applicants planned to build the iron railings on the existing sea wall to stop antisocial and criminal behaviour on the slipway where they claim there is evidence of drug use.

Documents submitted to the council detailed how the risk of injury or even death to those who are minded to jump over the sea wall on to the slipway is extremely high.

The accompanying Environment Agency Public Risk Assessment confirmed that the site scores a High 15 risk rating.

The council received 30 objections to the proposals.

One objector said: "We fear if this planning application is approved, a section of the view out to the river will be blocked, affecting both local residents and visitors- this is a very popular and attractive section, thus potentially deterring visitors.

"It would set a precedent for other such applications - these could negatively impact on the leisure and tourism trade, from which Burnham-on-Crouch benefits."

And they added: "If there are other concerns to councillors, residents and visitors to the sea wall, such as litter, dog fouling, drug use, etcetera, these should be addressed and resourced separately and not by erecting a barrier."

The council ruled against the application.

It said: "The height of the proposed railings would harm the character and appearance of the conservation area, contrary to policies D1 and D3 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan."