A CONTROVERSIAL bid to build six new homes at a vacant site in a village has been refused.

Argent Developers planned to demolish an existing commercial building and convert another to create six new homes in Southminster Road in Althorne.

A total of 14 parking spaces had also been planned for the homes.

The existing buildings on the site were last used for the restoration of classic cars under a previous planning permission.

However, according to the developer the permission was never implemented due to “unforeseen personal circumstances”.

The Buttons Barn site has remained vacant for about four years.

READ MORE: Everything we know about the plans revealed for six new homes in village

The developer’s agents argued the site had become overgrown, and is causing harm to the character of the area.

They also said while the development would have resulted in the loss of employment land, the potential to offer a wide selection of employment uses is extremely limited.

The bid received two objections from residents and Althorne Parish Council recommended refusal.

One objector said: “There is already too much urban sprawl in the surrounding areas and rural Essex needs to be maintained as it continues to be spoilt by developments of this nature which bring no value to the existing communities and only benefit the developer.”

He also said there are no amenities or footpaths near the proposed site and nearby schools are “already overcrowded and many children are having to travel far afield”.

He added: “Southminster Road is a fast road and entry and exit points to existing dwellings here are dangerous enough. Adding more dwellings will only increase the risk of collision.”

The developer had said the site would have a greater benefit for the community if its use was residential as this would “ensure the appearance of the site did not fall into further disrepair”.

Maldon District Council has now refused the plans due to the site being in an unsustainable location.

The council said the development would “substantially alter the character of the area” and it had not been demonstrated to the council that the use of the site for employment purposes is no longer viable.