PLANS to demolish a former hospice building have been rejected over the impact it would have on neighbours.

The bid was submitted to Southend Council to demolish the now vacant Fair Havens Hospice site on Chalkwell Avenue, Westcliff, and replace it with three new homes.

The planned three detached homes would have had four bedrooms over three storeys, plus parking spaces.

Fair Havens moved to its brand new, £17million facility in Priory Crescent, Southend, 65 weeks after building for the project began.

Knight Gratrix Architects submitted an application in May this year to replace the now-vacant hospice building.

But Southend planning officer Spyros Mouratidis heavily criticised the designs of the buildings, saying they would not fit with the existing buildings on the road.

In his report he said: “This type of development would be materially at odds with the prevailing pattern of development in the area, causing significant harm to its distinct character.

“Furthermore, the proposed projecting features to the front of the dwellings, due to their bulk and conspicuousness, would create an appearance for the terrace more similar to a block of flats, exacerbating the harm to the character of the area.”

Mr Mouratidis continued that the developers had not submitted details on how at least ten per cent of power for the homes would come from renewable energy sources.

He concluded: “It would cause materially detrimental impacts on the residential amenity of neighbouring occupiers in terms of an overbearing effect, sense of enclosure and loss of outlook.

“The benefits of the proposal, including the limited provision of additional housing, do not outweigh the significant and material harm identified.”

Knight Gratrix Architects were contacted for comment.