Cllr Mynott, Ward Member expressed his concerns over the impact on neighbours of Culyers Yard and the loss of car parking on the proposed site to the retailers in the High Street.

At present, the design of the Culyers Yard development against what is currently there is very satisfying.

The proposal for the High Street element of the development would be out of character in the High Street with regard to its size, massing and design. 

The construction of a five-storey building on William Hunter Way is overbearing for such a small area, is higher than Sainsburys and Culyers Yard, and so will not enhance the area. 

Cllr Slade, Ward Member could see no grounds to support this application.

The proposed High Street development should be of Victorian Design like the eastern end of the High Street. 

Ms McAllister, agreed with Members that the Victorian buildings towards the  eastern end of the High Street, were buildings of merit.  However, under Government Policy, the local planning authority cannot impose a design on applications. 

Officers have looked at the grain, portion and rhythm of historic buildings in the High Street. The applicants supplied a 3D-model which was considered as part of the Councils 3D model of Brentwood Town Centre enabling officers to assess key views and urban context.

After a full discussion, a motion was MOVED by Cllr Mynott and SECONDED by Cllr Ms Slade to REFUSE the application under CP1 – character, scale and mass, impact on visual amenity and C14 – failure to enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and the members voted as follows:

FOR: Cllrs Reed, Ms Slade, Wiles, Mynott, Newberry, Mrs Davies and Morrissey (7)

AGAINST: Cllrs Faragher and Ms Sanders (2)

ABSTAIN:  Cllrs Bridge and Ms Middlehurst (2)

(Cllr Mrs Murphy was unwell and left the meeting before this item was debated and therefore didn’t take part in the vote).

The motion was CARRIED and the application was REFUSED under CP1 and C14.