THE owners of an Indian restaurant who wanted to build an extension on to the street have had an appeal dismissed.

Thurrock Council refused an application by Zaal Indian Dining in Lampits Hill, Corringham, to build out on to the street, extending the dining area by four metres.

Planning officers said the extension "would introduce a visually intrusive feature that is out of character with the other buildings within the shopping parade and street scene".

The restaurant owners appealed to the Planning Inspectorate but the appeal has now been dismissed.

In a report, the inspector said he had considered the main issue to be the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

A report said: "The Inspector found the proposed extension would jut out in front of the parade of shops where there is no other permanent built development, which would be contrary to the pattern of development in the area, and it would therefore appear out of character with the street scene.

"While the design, in and of itself was found to be acceptable the Inspector noted that "any extension forward of the existing shopping parade would wholly conflict with the simple linear pattern of development in the area, appearing overly incongruous and at odds with the existing context and character of its surrounds."

It added: "Therefore, regardless of design, the proposal would still have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area".

Concerns had been raised over noise and disturbance and access for owners of neighbouring shops and that the front extension would impose on a right of entry to other commercial units.

In their application the restaurant owners said: "The concerns raised regarding the noise and disturbance that would be generated from the extension is noted and the council's environmental team have imposed conditions to reduce any potential noise from the use of this area on nearby residents.

"We are aware the front extension will project forward of the building line of other shops within the parade and as such would set a precedent likely to be contentious, we believe however that this proposal offers a tailored approach to a modified entrance that promotes much needed trade in the high street."