AN appeal has been launched after plans to turn an old police station into flats were refused.

Maldon District Council rejected proposals for five two-bedroom apartments with parking at the former police station in West Square, Maldon, last October.

An appeal has now been launched by developers Court Langley.

The building is currently empty and was last in service as a police station in July 2017.

There were many objectors to the plan, including Maldon Town Council who were concerned about “overcrowding” due to the number of cars.

The decision report said the development would result in the loss of an employment use and a community facility, and it has not been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the council that the property had been appropriately marketed for its existing use in comparison to similar nearby sites.