PLANS to demolish a chalet to make way for three new homes in a village have been turned down for the second time.

A planning application was submitted to Maldon District Council to demolish an existing chalet and garage and build three detached dwellings at The Gnomes in Main Road, St Lawrence.

The bid submitted in November followed a similar application in August which was refused due to its "inappropriate design, height, scale, bulk and positioning" and "shortfall in parking provision".

But the applicant's agent, Arcady Architects Ltd, claims in a statement submitted with the new application the reasons given for refusal were "totally contradictory".

A similar application made in 2008, to demolish a bungalow and build 3 new homes, was approved due to its innovative design and it would add a "visual interest" to the street and enhance the area in terms of architectural character.

Arcady Architects Ltd said the fundamentals of this most recent application remain the same as the previously approved scheme.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: The indicative street scene of the new plans. Photo: Arcady Architects LtdThe indicative street scene of the new plans. Photo: Arcady Architects Ltd

The agent said: "The bay area is known for some unique architectural styles. Yet this recent application has been refused for being urban and incongruous.

"Essex County Council Highways have no objection yet it has been refused on parking grounds.

"The number of spaces available has been miscounted in this appraisal."

The new application had been made "to highlight the inaccuracies made" during the assessment of the previous refused application.

Some alteration to the accommodation and parking had been made "to ensure policy compliance".

In support of the new application, the agent said: "The design has been carefully considered so that it fits into the marine vernacular of St Lawrence Bay and Main Road.

"The appearance and style of the dwellings takes inspiration from the seaside character of the area with the combination of angular roofs and white weather boarded finish."

However, on Wednesday (January 19) the bid was refused by the district council due to its "inappropriate design, height, scale, bulk and positioning" when compared to "the character and urban grain of the area" which it said would result in "a dominant and incongruous form of development".