BASILDON planning councillors have deferred a decision on whether to allow a building in Wickford to go a storey higher to accommodate the creation of two new homes.

At a recent meeting members considered an application which sought planning permission to construct an additional storey on top of the existing two storey building at 65 High Street, Wickford, to create two self-contained one bedroom flats.

Though official consultees including Essex Country Counil and the highways department raised no objections, seven letters of objections were received on grounds of loss of light, noise and disturbances, overshadowing, loss of privacy, insufficient parking and access and impact on health and wellbeing.

The committee sought clarification on several issues in respect of the application. A number of members commented on proximity to neighbouring properties and requesting confirmation of lighting on the stairway in cases of emergency.

The chairman allowed a member of the public to address the committee with regard to the application. The resident spoke objecting to the proposal on grounds of loss of light and impact on neighbouring property.

To address the members' concerns on mitigation measures for the lighting on the stairway, officers agreed to establish the location of the neighbours' window and the impact of the development on the neighbouring property in light of the roof window. It was agreed that the application should be deferred, and all matters be brought back to the committee for consideration.