A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to demolish a Thame landmark and build flats in its place, has been rejected by the district council.
South Oxfordshire District Council gave the following reasons for its refusal of the application:
“That having regard to the size, height, bulk, massing and detailing of the proposed two apartment buildings and to their siting adjacent to the footpath in Cotmore Gardens and in close proximity to Bridge Terrace, the proposal would appear prominent, intrusive and out of keeping with the character of the area and would detract from the modest character of Bridge Terrace. In addition the proposal would result in the permanent loss of Essex House Hotel which is considered to be an important landmark building of local historic interest that should be retained.”
The plan, to demolish the Essex House hotel in Thame, and erect two new buildings comprising of 12 apartments with associated parking, had previously met with the disapproval of Thame Town Council. It subsequently applied to have the building and the ex-railway workers’ cottages in Bridge Terrace, included in the Thame Conservation Area, but was turned down by English Heritage.
A letter to Tessa Jowell, the Minister responsible for Heritage, has since been sent by the town council appealing against that decision.
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