The Planning Committee of Tendring Council met on Tuesday 7 July 2026, discussing four planning applications. The committee resolved to refuse planning permission for a children's home at Albany House, Clacton-on-Sea, and deferred a decision on an outline planning application for housing at Land to North of Colchester Road, Elmstead. Full planning permission was granted for a new Football Foundation PlayZone at Crossways Recreation Ground, Jaywick, and for the redevelopment of Low Road Cafe in Dovercourt.

Albany House, Clacton-on-Sea

The committee refused planning permission for a change of use from a dwelling (C3) to a children's home (C2) at Albany House, 29 Albany Gardens West, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 6HN. The decision was based on the proposal's intensified and non-typical residential use, which was considered to erode the established quiet residential character of the Gardens Area of Special Character, contrary to Policies PPL12 and SP7 of the Tendring District Local Plan. Additionally, the proposal failed to satisfactorily demonstrate compliance with Policies SPL3, LP10, and SP7 regarding the protection of residential amenity due to a lack of robust, site-specific evidence. Councillor S Honeywood, the Ward Member and caller-in, spoke against the application, as did Antony Cannon, a member of the public. Jeremy Hughband, the applicant's representative, spoke in favour.

Land to North of Colchester Road, Elmstead

A decision on an outline planning application for up to 30 dwellings and associated infrastructure at Land to North of Colchester Road, Elmstead, CO7 7EF, was deferred. The deferral was requested to address issues of ownership, the footpath, a clearer plan for the access point, and for the applicant to further consider the impact on amenity. Councillor Wiggins, a Ward Member, declared a pre-determined interest and retired from the room during the discussion but spoke on the application. Councillor Scott, also a Ward Member, spoke on the application. Councillor Gladwin, Chairman of Elmstead Market Parish Council, and Tara Gargiulo, a member of the public, spoke against the application. Rosanna Metcalfe, the agent for the applicant, spoke in support. The Elmstead Neighbourhood Plan policies ELM1 and ELM2 were central to the debate, with the Parish Council arguing the development was non-compliant. Officers, however, noted that appeal decisions had afforded reduced weight to Neighbourhood Plan policies where housing requirements were inconsistent with current needs, and that the proposal was considered to be the rounding off of the settlement.

Crossways Recreation Ground, Jaywick

Full planning permission was granted for the replacement of the existing Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at Crossways Recreation Ground, Crossways, Jaywick, CO15 2NB, with a Football Foundation PlayZone, including associated fencing, lighting, and ancillary facilities. Technical consultees, including Essex Highways and Environmental Protection, raised no objections subject to conditions. The proposal was deemed acceptable in flood risk terms, would not materially impact parking or highway safety, and would provide managed and inclusive access to the community, with biodiversity enhancements secured through additional planting and conditions. Councillor Land and Councillor Wiggins moved and seconded the resolution to grant permission.

Low Road Cafe, Dovercourt

The committee authorised the Head of Planning and Building Control to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of the established seafront café at Low Road Cafe, Lower Marine Parade, Dovercourt, CO12 3ST. The proposal involves replacing the existing building with an enlarged, modern facility and introducing a new padel court. This was considered to enhance the site's tourism and leisure offer, support local economic growth, and improve the visual appearance of the area. The development was deemed acceptable in principle and in accordance with Local Plan policies, with benefits including improved design, increased visitor provision, and new recreational facilities. Technical matters relating to highways, flood risk, residential amenity, and ecology had been satisfactorily addressed, with no objections from consultees subject to conditions. Councillor Alexander and Councillor Fowler moved and seconded the resolution to grant permission.