The is a redevelopment of the old snooker hall above what was the Christian bookshop. The plan is to convert the first floor into 6 flats, and add another storey, also with 6 flats. 

Planning Application 07/00322/FULL from Lema Partnership was submitted on 12th March 2007, and the picture below shows how it would look based on the plans submitted. The application was refused on 2 May on the basis of insufficient parking provision and unacceptable overlooking of neigbourhood dwellings. 

A further application 08/00229/FULL was submitted on 6th February  2008, and the design is very similar to first one, with a slightly modified roof, as in this mock-up. This was also refused on 25 July 2008, on similar grounds.

The latter application was allowed on appeal on 14th May 2009.

The Inspector's conclusion (paragraph 11) is that 'there is no unified architectural style in the town centre of Wickford', and that since developments are already underway nearby (1-29 Lower Southend Road, 2-12 The Broadway, 3-31 Runwell Road and a mixed residential conversion within the Willows Shopping Centre), 'I do not see the proposed front elevation of the appeal development being out of character with these surrounding developments'

What hope do we have to preserve our town when we have a council and a government hell bent on this destruction?

What an atmosphere - living above a chip shop, Chinese restaurant and kebab takeaway - and possibly another restaurant next door in what is now a bedding shop!

It is interesting to note in this revised application document (4 pages) that they refer no less than 6 times to 'Mr. Humphries' from Basildon Council. They also say 'the extension and renovation of this building will assist in the Wickford Masterplan regeneration and rejuvenation of the town centre, and will provide an attractive landmark in the street scene. 

The Wickford Action Group view
This development is in the Town Centre Masterplan 'Riverside Living' area, but is NOT part of the plan. There is also an application for a block with 10 flats just across from this, on the corner where the taxi rank and solicitors office stands, and this too is not in the Masterplan. 

These developments make a mockery of the council's claim to have a 'plan'. Ad-hoc buildings like this which are built for quick profit and which do not take into account the surrounding facilities, are the reason Wickford is in such a mess.  

We strongly believe that it should not be approved, and should not be built.