Clacton cash and carry plans for covered market are rejected

Clacton Covered Market opened in 1982 before closing down 40 years later

Proposals to open a cash and carry store inside a closed-down market have been rejected by planners.

Guvenc Cocelli applied to breathe new life into the derelict Clacton Covered Market in Rosemary Road in the Essex seaside town.

A cash and carry store typically allows customers to buy goods in larger quantities and at lower prices.

Tendring District Council said the proposal would have been visually damaging to Clacton.

The market closed when owners Lesley and Martin Croxford retired after 40 years in 2022.

Concerns about the latest plan were raised by council leader Mark Stephenson, who said a cash and carry would harm small independent businesses.

The former covered market has remained derelict since its closure in 2022

A "lack of parking and poor accessibility" were also issues raised by the councillor, of the Tendring Independents.

It came despite Mr Cocelli claiming the scheme would "significantly improve a derelict urban town centre site".

He said it would have promoted and established an active shopfront, creating jobs and drawing in footfall to Clacton.

The applicant argued the proposal would not be detrimental to the street scene.

Rejecting the planning application, council officers countered that claim.

A decision report said the shop would cause "overriding harm" due to its "poor design".

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The former market used to be a dairy that pasteurised and packaged milk, before it was converted by the Croxfords.

The couple, both in their 70s, turned the site into a thriving market before it closed upon their retirement a year ago.

Speaking to the BBC last year, Mrs Croxford said: "We do feel sad it's going; we've built a community there.

"People love to come to the cafe; it's part of the town."

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