Uttlesford district councillors have given the thumbs down to plans for a motel scheme in the heart of Great Dunmow's conservation area.

The plan by landlord Douglas Whitney was to build a freestanding two-storey brick weatherboarded building on the children's play area at the historic Chequers pub in Stortford Road.

The car park and beer garden would remain and the six bedroom motel unit would be in addition to 16 bedrooms for which planning permission was granted earlier this year in another building of similar design to the south of the pub.

Great Dunmow Town Council had supported the principle of additional accommodation for tourists but objected on grounds of overdevelopment and loss of open aspect.

Members of the Uttlesford development control sub-committee on Monday recommended refusal to the extra rooms saying it was "inappropriate design and location of building within conservation area and setting of listed building."

In a report to the committee officers said: "The Chequers public house is located in an area of strong frontage development located hard on the footpath of historical importance to the town.

"It is considered that the erection of a freestanding building set well back from Stortford Road would be at variance with this frontage character to the detriment of the appearance of the conservation area."

They added extra car parking spaces would be required and there would be pressure for off-site parking elsewhere.

In a letter to the council agent Bryn Mainwaring on behalf of Mr Whitney said the application is intended as the first phase in the accommodation development for the Chequers.

He said:"At present the front of the Chequers public house is in danger of becoming progressively rundown. The first phase will provide the opportunity of economic viability to restore and renovate the public house shell. In addition it will transform the frontage to the site as a stimulating visual focus in the approach to the High Street which will act as a platform for surrounding businesses.

"It is proposed that this motel type development will serve the rise in required low cost accommodation from the growth of Stansted Airport."

He added the decision was made to keep the scheme simple and pragmatic to enhance the Chequers bringing old and new together as a whole.

By Amanda Brandon

Reporter's e-mail: amanda.brandon@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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