A bid to turn a five-bedroom home into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) have been rejected.

The scheme involved converting the property in Church Street, Harwich to provide homes for six people, each with their own room.

Tendring District Council’s (TDC) planning committee refused the application at a meeting this week.

The terraced property is in the town centre and within the Harwich Conservation Area, adjoining a Grade II Listed building.

The building has previously been used as a café and restaurant but has not held a licence for more than 12 years.

Councillors decided that there was a general lack of amenity space and insufficient parking provision.

They were also concerned about the adverse impact the proposal would have on the existing residential amenity in the area, as well as the impact on the character of the locality and Conservation Area.