3-31 Runwell Road, Wickford

Letter from Basildon District Council, dated 21 December 2006

Subject: Demolition of existing buildings and construction of 83 flats, with commercial uses at ground floor level within classes A1, B1 and A3, vehicular access and parking.

Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the above planning application. I now write to inform you that the proposal has been Refused.

The reasons for refusal, as set out in the Statutory Register are as follows:-


1 Policy BAS BE12 of the adopted Basildon District Local Plan states that planning permission for new residential development, and for the alteration and extension of existing dwellings, will be refused if it causes material harm in any of the following ways: -

(i)  Harm to the character of the surrounding area, including the street scene;
(ii) Overlooking;
(iii) Noise or disturbance to the occupiers of neighbouring dwellings;
(iv) Overshadowing or over-dominance; and
(v)  Traffic danger or congestion.

The proposed development of the site with commercial units at ground floor level and 83 flats would result in the erection of a substantial, multi-storey building of a scale that would appear unacceptably over dominant and represent over development of the site detrimental to the character and appearance of the street scene and contrary to criteria (i) and (iv) of the above policy.

In addition, adequate provision for parking in connection with the proposed commercial development cannot be made within the site. This would be likely to result in additional vehicle parking on the adjacent, busy highway leading to increased traffic congestion and potential detriment to highway safety and contrary to criterion (v) of the above policy.

Conditions, where applicable can also be viewed on the Council’s website www.basildon.gov.uk Please follow the link to Planning and then to Public Access.

Yours faithfully

Clive Simpson
Development Control Manager