This is the site of the unoccupied fitness centre, near the station exit. It is certainly an eyesore now, the white painted building is covered in graffiti, and the car park is used for illegal parking by commuters.

Planning Application 06/01455/FULL from Angus & Jewers, is for the demolition of the existing building and to construct a 3 storey building with 4 flats and 6 office units. This application has been granted, as have earlier applications. Angus & Jewers have recently submitted a further application, 07/00282/FULL, now with 5 flats, and they state on the application that the development is to replace their current offices, which are in turn to be replaced with a new development of 12 flats at 2-12 The Broadway.

Approved proposal 06/01455/FULL for new building at 61 Station Avenue
Below, further proposal 07/00282/FULL, with an extra flat - where will it all end?

The Wickford Action Group view

• This development is in the Town Centre Masterplan 'Station Gateway' area, but is NOT part of the plan. It therefore represents over-development, because it adds to the 600 flats under the Masterplan.

• Traffic problems will not be eased by this development, which is in the narrowed part of Station Avenue, and especially if the Barn Hall plan, with 250 houses goes through.

• The new application now has an extra flat, but there is no extra parking space (6 spaces are provided for 5 flats and 6 offices!). This will inevitably add to the parking problems in the town.

• The first mentioned application was passed by the planning officers without going to committee. This is a concern of our group, we believe that developments which have an impact on the town should be decided by elected representatives.