A VILLAGE could soon get a 20-bedroom motel if a planning application proves successful.

The proposal for a two-storey building on land behind the Anchor pub, in Ferry Road, Hullbridge, has proved controversial among residents.

While some villagers have welcomed the proposed motel, as it would enhance Hullbridge's profile, others have raised concerns about traffic, noise and parking.

The application has been lodged by CK Property Developments Ltd, based in Epping, and would see the pub's current owners run the motel, which consists solely of rooms and no other facilities.

There would be 23 parking spaces created if the building is given the green light.

Colin Sullivan, director at The Anchor pub, has dismissed the traffic and noise concerns.

He said: "In terms of traffic there are 20 rooms being provided and more than 20 new parking spaces, so there are more spaces than per person.

"I'm at a complete loss with the noise issues, because it's going to be a motel not a hotel. There are no facilities other than rooms so I don't understand how anyone can really feel that noise can be an issue.

"The possibility of noise disturbance is zero.

"It's a brilliant facility for Hullbridge. The comments we have had at The Anchor have been really supportive and positive."

Colin Mossman, 69, of Burnham Road, Hullbridge, has lived in the area for 49 years and think the motel would be a good thing for the village.

He said: “I think it would be positive. There is plenty of parking space there.

“I suppose it will raise the profile of Hullbridge and help keep the riverside rural as people would be coming to see that.

“People shouldn’t be disturbed by traffic going past.

“Why wouldn’t the village want that?”

However, one neighbour who lives opposite the pub sent in a letter of objection to the application.

The resident said: “My main concern is vehicular access to the motel and the noise of vehicles going to and from the motel.

"If it is through the existing Anchor car park I feel that this would cause additional problems for the residents of the Anchor Cottages opposite.

“I feel that if access to the motel is through the existing Anchor car park this would cause more problems for us and people launching their boats.”

A second objection from a neighbour stated concerns about "loss of privacy, noise and disturbance".

It added: “The parking within the area is generally lacking in spaces. I currently get blocked into the cottage and the increase in traffic in a small area would cause chaos."

Hullbridge Parish Council has no objections but will submit observations to the planning application.

Julie Mullett, administration assistant at the parish council, said: “Hullbridge Parish Council has observations that the north-end back wall is not aesthetically pleasing to the eye.”

Natural England made no objection to the application despite its close proximity to the Crouch and Roach estuaries.

Neighbours have until Tuesday, May 31, to send in their comments.