By Annie DavidsonRESIDENTS in Frinton are getting in a spin over a plan for the town's first laundrette to open in a former bookmaker's premises.The application has been lodged by Jenni Osborne for the site of Bobby Swift's Bookmakers - which is due to move to new premises on the resort's Connaught Avenue - in Ashlyns Road.

By Annie Davidson

RESIDENTS in Frinton are getting in a spin over a plan for the town's first laundrette to open in a former bookmaker's premises.

The application has been lodged by Jenni Osborne for the site of Bobby Swift's Bookmakers - which is due to move to new premises on the resort's Connaught Avenue - in Ashlyns Road.

But it has met with objections from Frinton and Walton Town Council, which voiced fears about noise pollution for nearby residents.

Frinton and Walton mayor Mark Cossens said: “We really had a lack of information about what sort of laundrette it is going to be.

“From the details we had been given it was suggesting 10 commercial vehicles and there was concern if it was going to be a commercial laundrette that it would be detrimental so close to a conservation area.

“The people in the flats above would be affected by the smells and exhausts coming from a commercial laundry operation.”

He added: “I think people might still object if it was a normal laundrette as it is so close to a conservation area.

“It could be said that an office use would be more suitable than perhaps anything else.

“My concern would be for the people living in the flats above. I would still be concerned even if it was not a commercial operation as laundrettes tend to stay open late.”

Mrs Osborne said the business would be a laundrette for use by individuals and would not be doing commercial contracts.

She added it would offer service washes as well as allowing people to come and do their own washing and drying.

“I can't see any noise problems. It is going to be a state-of-the-art laundrette which will be an asset to Frinton. There is only one serving the area currently which is on a busy main road with no parking,” said Mrs Osborne.

“It will provide a good service which is not going to affect the town in any way. There are a lot of flats in Frinton and a lot of people don't have means of drying their clothes.

“These days people are looking more for service-orientated help with their general lives.”

Charles Harrison, planning spokesman for Frinton Residents' Association, said there was a split between members as to whether the laundrette was wanted or not.

“People living nearby object to it, people who don't live nearby are quite happy with it,” he added.

“If around 15 to 20 people object I will write in, but at the moment there is not a strong enough plus or minus, so I will leave it to development control at Tendring District Council.”

A decision on the application, which could be made by council planning officers under delegated powers, is not expected for at least a month.

annie.davidson@eadt.co.uk