Bulldozing plans refused at former factory site in Dovercourt

Sato UK lodged plans with Tendring Council to demolish its redundant factory, in Valley Road, Dovercourt, and build 38 homes in its place last year.

The plans came after outline permission to build 96 homes on its factory site in Valley Road was withdrawn in 2014.

Tendring Council refused the latest plans citing that the applicant was “not willing to agree” with the findings of the council’s independent assessor.

The council’s statement, submitted to its online planning portal, said: “A completed Section 106 obligation to secure the relevant contributions towards education, open space enhancements and affordable housing has not been provided and is therefore contrary to the above policies.”

A Section 106 agreement is a legal agreement between an applicant seeking planning permission and the local planning authority, which is used to mitigate the impact of development on the community and infrastructure.

The council’s statement said planning permission will not be granted for new residential homes unless the impacts of the development on education provision can be addressed, at the developer’s cost, towards off-site improvements.

It said a Section 106 obligation has not been completed to secure such requirements prior to the application determination date.

The council also had to make the refusal on the grounds that the developer was unable to provide provision or a financial contribution to public open space and or play equipment.

It said: “There is an identified deficit of equipped play and formal open space in Harwich and Dovercourt.

“Due to the limited play provision in Harwich and Dovercourt, any further development in the area will increase the current deficit further and put greater demand on already stretched facilities and accordingly an off-site contribution towards enhancements at Clayton Road play area is requested.”

Sato UK was contacted for comment, but unable to respond before the Standard went to print.