CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert a former post office into a café could be back on the cards after they were put on hold.
Colchester Council’s planning committee voted at its last meeting to defer an application to convert the former Lexden Heath delivery office into a café until councillors had a chance to visit the site.
The applicant also wants to turn the first floor of the building, in Stanway, Colchester, into a flat.
Councillors will debate the plans again at a meeting next Thursday, and planning officers are continuing to recommend the bid be approved.
The Gazette understands councillors have now been invited to visit the site, which was once a full-service post office, before the meeting next Thursday.
The committee insisted on visiting the London Road site after concerns were raised about the application, including claims the garden was being used as “illegal landfill”.
Stanway councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell is planning to address the committee once again after already telling her colleagues they were reviewing “one of the worst applications I’ve ever seen”.
More than 30 objections to the application have been received by Colchester Council.
The latest objection raises concerns about parking – despite the applicant already stating they have entered a relationship with a nearby garage which will allow café customers to use its car park.
“I fail to see how a café can operate in this location without parking facilities,” it says.
“I strongly suspect café customers will park on nearby pavements and across driveways.”
The resident added they “don’t have any objection to the residential property”.
Another resident said: “The rear garden is now growing vegetation and with the proposed planning for a café this will encourage vermin.
“This plot should not be allowed to be used as a business.”
Gazette reader Tracey Luff-Johnson said: “Why grant permission for the café if the residents do not want it and strongly object with valid reasons too?
“No doubt the building does need to be in use. Maybe the residents could come up with a good use for it that will be an asset not a problem?”
Steve Mann added it is the “wrong place for a café”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel