Controversial plans for a nine-flat development that critics claimed would block sunlight to a church have been refused.

At a planning meeting on Wednesday evening (July 1), district councillors voted to refuse the proposal from Spencer Rose for the building conversion behind High Road properties in Loughton.

Councillors unanimously turned down the plans following serious objections from the freeholder of the building, the Olive Tree restaurant and the adjacent Loughton Methodist Church.

Speaking on behalf of the objectors a planning consultant from Hobbs Parker said: “The waste strategy will exacerbate existing problems, the dumping of rubbish in an area next to restaurants.

“The impact on the community facilities in the adjacent Methodist church is unacceptable.

“The additional height and mass on the South Western side will adversely affect natural light received both in the central hall and on the staircase.

“The lack of parking will exacerbate existing problems of unauthorised parking at the church.

“Many local groups will be affected by this and it is just not acceptable.”

The plans faced widespread opposition after an earlier refused application was little changed when it was resubmitted.

Councillor John Knapman said: “I propose that we refuse this application because of the continued uncertainties over noise, smells and impacts on the residential flats which will be constructed, and the waste arrangements which still there is no certainty about… which ideally should be in the normal residential form rather than moving down this compacted waste style I think, which I do not feel comfortable with at this moment.”

The applicant will now have the opportunity to appeal against the council’s decision.