Plans for a controversial sports pavilion have been kicked into touch after councillors refused planning permission.

There was an angry outburst from the public gallery when Rochford District Council's planning services committee voted 20 votes to four to refuse the proposal, for the King George V playing field, Eastwood Road, Rayleigh.

Despite Shaun Scrutton, head of planning, pointing out the principle of a two- storey building on the site of the existing pavilion had already been approved, most councillors felt the proposed building was unsuitable and too big for the area.

Peter Webster (Con, Whitehouse) said: "I intend totally and with pleasure to vote against this. I will do it to reflect the views and opinions of the people of Whitehouse Ward. The building's mass and visual appearance are not appropriate for the setting of location."

Committee chairman Simon Smith (Con, Whitehouse) added: "It is a landmark location and we deserve something of a better quality."

Published Monday January 26, 2004

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