A SURPRISED resident has slammed a decision to turn down plans for a new shop in Tiptree.

Colchester Council refused pub owner Paul Hiller’s plans to build a corner shop next to the Bonnie Blue Oak.

The Hiller family bought the Oak Road pub in 2014 and renamed it after the late beauty queen Bonnie Hiller who had died the same year.

A supporter of the bid, Andrew Hatton, has slammed the council’s decision to refuse the plans as a “lost opportunity” for the area.

Mr Hatton said: “I was surprised to read plans for a new shop in Oak Road, Tiptree, were turned down.

"It is a lost opportunity to add diversity to the now very few shops in the wider Tiptree Heath area, especially away from Church Road.

"It seems exactly the sort of business venture that should be supported.

"I note a few residents objected. The highway authority might have recommended conditions rather than outright rejection.

"It is too easily forgotten by planners just how many of the population do not have access to a car or suitable public transport, especially us elderly and disabled folk.

"Since I arrived here in 1983, one noteworthy change is the closure of so many small retail outlets that promote community life and are convenient.

"I suspect there were more retail outlets in the 1940s and 50s than now, despite a probable tenfold increase in population."

The planning authority said it was concerned with the impact on the character of the area, the highways network and the standard of design.

It also said the plans would result in the loss of an important oak tree and hedge.

The Tolleshunt Knights resident added: “It is too easily forgotten by planners just how many of the population do not have access to a car or suitable public transport, especially us elderly and disabled folk.”