14 flats and office at 147 High Street, Billericay

“The application seeks planning permission for the conversion and extension of a vacant office in Billericay town centre to 14 flats and a ground floor office incorporating a new roof extension and external alterations. The application is located in Billericay Conservation Area.”

“In addition the introduction of rear balconies at the rear of the building at the application site would overlook surrounding properties to the detriment of the residential amenities enjoyed by their occupiers. The outlook from several of the proposed flats is unsatisfactory and would provide poor living accommodation for prospective residents. Finally, insufficient information has been submitted to allow consideration of surface water drainage at the development.”

“The application site comprises 147 High Street, Billericay and occupies a prominent position on the western side of Billericay High Street within the designated Billericay Town Centre Conservation Area.”

“The Site occupies a sensitive heritage setting. Immediately to the north is Burghstead House, a Grade II* Listed Building, whilst to the east stands the White Hart Public House together with a pair of Grade II Listed K6 telephone kiosks. The Site’s location within the Conservation Area and in close proximity to these designated heritage assets contributes significantly to the character and appearance of this part of Billericay town centre.”

“The existing building is a vacant office which already has Prior Approval under Schedule 2, Part 3, Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (GPDO) (England) Order 2015 for the change of use from Use Class E (Commercial, Business and Service) to Use Class C3 (Residential) for 10 flats and associated works under reference 24/00728/PACU approved on 22 August 2024.”

“24/00728/PACU Prior Approval sought under Schedule 2, Part 3, Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (GPDO) (England) Order 2015 for the change of use from Use Class E (Commercial, Business and Service) to Use Class C3 (Residential) comprising 8 x 1-bed and 2 x 2-bed apartments and associated works. Prior Approval Approved 22 August 2024”

“The highway authority has reviewed the submitted related documentation. From a highway and transportation perspective the impact of the proposal is acceptable to the Highway Authority subject to the imposition of planning conditions in respect of a construction management plan, cycle parking, and a residential travel pack for each dwelling.”

“In conclusion, the proposed development would result in harm to the significance of the Grade II*listed Burghstead House and to the Billericay Conservation Area. With regard to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the harm would be “less than substantial harm”, therefore Paragraphs 212, 213 and 215 are relevant. The proposal is also not compliant with paragraph 219 and 210 (c) of the NPPF. In regard to Section 66(1) of the Planning (Listed…”

“The Town Council objected to the Application on the grounds of: Excessive height in the Conservation Area.”

“It was noted that the site was in a highly sustainable location in easy reach of a transport hub.”

“Members discussed the application and there was a consensus that the council had a duty to protect important local heritage assets.”

“That Planning Application No. 26/00232/FULL be refused full planning permission for the reasons set out at the end of the report.”

“The proposed development includes principal windows to habitable rooms and ground floor bedrooms which are to be located on the party boundary with Billericay Library. The new windows would result in an unsatisfactory relationship with the library building resulting in poor outlook and substandard living conditions for future occupiers of the proposed residential accommodation as well as overlooking to the library complex.”

“A drainage strategy has not been submitted to allow the Lead Local Flood Authority (Essex County Council) to assess the drainage implications of the scheme. In this regard and due to the insufficient information provided, the Local Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the proposed development would manage surface water runoff appropriately and would not increase flood risk elsewhere, contrary to Policy F8: ‘Sustainable Drainage Systems and Watercourses’ in the…”