Plans for a five-storey hotel in Upminster have been rejected, with the proposed scale and height of the development among the reasons given. 

Planning agent MRPP submitted the plans on behalf of Eastern Ironworks in September last year. To be built on the site of Times Tees Cars, which would have been demolished, the proposal involved an 82-room hotel, plus 6,500sq ft of shops and offices. 

In a design and access statement submitted as part of the application, Stockwool, a London-based architecture firm, suggested the proposed development would generate “genuine social value for the area as well as creating substantial improvements to the local built environment through the introduction of new high quality new building, and improved public realm”. 

Concerns however were raised online by residents following the publication of the plans. The limited parking was one area which received attention, with just one Blue Badge space at the rear of the site, as did whether there is a need for a hotel in Upminster. 

Havering Council officers have since refused the application.

A spokesperson for Eastern Ironworks said: “We will study the officers’ delegated decision and comment once we have concluded our review.” 

The planned hotel was rumoured to be operated by Travelodge - the chain directed the Recorder to Eastern Ironworks' response when contacted for comment.

Reasons for the refusal included the impact on traffic and air quality. 

The size of the hotel was also noted, with officers writing: “The proposed development by reason of its overall scale, bulk, height and design and proximity to the shared boundaries, would dominate the townscape with particular reference to the high-quality adjacent buildings flanking the application site fronting Station Road.” 

They added: “Further, the proposed rear block by reason of its site coverage and height, would result in a cramped form of development which would be out of character with the prevailing pattern of development in the hinterland surrounding area.  

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“The excessive height and bulk of the rear block would have an adverse impact on the light to habitable rooms and over-domineering impact when viewed from the properties 119-to 129 St Mary's Lane and 1-9 Station Lane to the detriment of the occupiers.” 

View the application on Havering Council’s planning portal using the reference P1585.22.