THERE are fears a historic cottage could ‘fall apart’ unless urgent action is taken to save it.

Elizabeth Cottage, on the junction of Norsey Road and High Street, Billericay was a famous landmark throughout the 1900s, however, it has now become known as an “eyesore” after falling into disrepair.

Shoppers in Billericay high street have become increasingly angered and concerned by the cottage’s state of disrepair.

Susan Leslie, 60, of Radford Court, said: “As I was walking past the other day, I saw the front wall had started to crumble.

“There were bits of plaster all over the floor.

“It is awful to see and I really hope a decision is made on the cottage’s future before it falls down completely.”

Under previous ownership, the cottage came into such a poor state the owners tried to demolish it without planning permission.

Prior to being sold at auction, Basildon Council paid out more than £28,000 to weather proof the building and protect it from being damaged further.

A planning application to change the building into a six two bedroom and a single one bedroom apartment block was denied by Basildon Council in October on the grounds that it would be overdevelopment of the site.

The owner of the cottage, John Dawson, has told the Echo he is appealing the decision.

A Basildon Council spokesman, said: “In the past Basildon Council carried out a series of emergency repair works on Elizabeth Cottage to make it safe and secure after it became impossible to contact the owners.

"Earlier this year the Council forced the sale of the property and the latest owners bought it at auction.

“Plans to extend Elizabeth Cottage and convert it into seven apartments were rejected by Basildon Council’s planning committee on Tuesday 10 October.

"Whilst supporting the principle of renovation of the building, concerns were raised regarding the size of the proposed extension and its overlooking and over dominant impact upon neighbouring occupiers.

"The committee resolved to refuse planning permission on the grounds that the proposed development would be excessive in terms of its depth and scale.

"This decision is now the subject of an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

“Council officers are responding to the latest reports regarding deterioration of the building, which will be followed up with the owners."

Chairman of Billericay Action Group, Mike Andrews, said: “It is a shame and the problems could be seen as coming down to the original owner.

“The council did their best, but creating a solution will take a long time.

“It is unfortunate the site is very difficult to use in a sensible way. It is in a difficult position and access is hard also.

“The developers, the council and the town council are involved, but this is really a Billericay thing.

"I would like to see more involvement for the town council to come up with solution with the developer.”