A LONG-running planning row involving a corner shop in Chelmsford has been resolved.

Residents living near to the convenience store, on the corner of Rainsford Road and Maltese Road, had objected to roller shutters that had been added to the store and the conversion of the first floor office above the shop, into a three-bedroomed flat.

At Chelmsford Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, councillors agreed to refuse the scheme because of the unsightly shutters and because the internal accommodation was inadequate to serve a three bedroom flat.

Graham Pooley, Lib Dem councillor who represents the ward in which the shop is, said he was glad officers had reached the decision they had in recommending refusal.

The issue had been going on for five months, he told the committee He added: “I thank the applicant for making the gesture to block up windows and hope the shop owner and the residents can now live in harmony.”

David Dadds, speaking for the applicant, said they believed the living room measurements met the requirements, as did those for the main bedroom.

He also said other shops in the borough had similar types of shutters.

But Chris Rycroft (Lib Dem, Great Baddow East) in voting for refusal said a three-bedroom flat was not acceptable because of the lack of an amenity area.