CHALKWELL Avenue – one of the area’s
most picturesque roads – is under threat
as developers are set to move in and capitalise
on the big family houses.
Two planning applications have been submitted
to Southend Council which local residents say,
if passed, could destroy its character.
They feel these could open the floodgates to
more developments along Chalkwell Avenue. One
application, just submitted, is for the demolition
of a family house a 129 Chalkwell Avenue and
the building of a block of flats.
With the other, to be considered tomorrow (Wednesday)
Harlpink Homes Ltd want to demolish the bungalow
at 108 Chalkwell Avenue – on the eastern
side just before the rail line – and build
a block of three flats. The indications are,
though, that councillors will accept the planning
officers’ recommendation and reject the
application.
They say the proposal is detrimental to visual
amenities and out of character with the prevailing
character of the street block which is characterised
by detached bungalows.
There was an outcry when a planning application
was passed some years ago to convert the detached
house to flats on the opposite side of the road
on the corner of Chalkwell Avenue and the Ridgeway.
Since then this part of Chalkwell Avenue has
escaped the attentions of the developers –
but now there are fears that if either of these
applications are given the go-ahead a number
of other homes in the avenue could be under
threat.