A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to convert a former bank into flats has been rejected.

Roundwood Restoration applied to transform the Grade II listed former Natwest building, in High Street, Manningtree, into seven flats and a house.

But concerned residents and business owners hit back claiming it would be “another nail in the coffin” for High Street trade.

Tendring Council received 47 letters of objection from people from Manningtree, Lawford and Mistley.

Manningtree Town Council, Lawford and Mistley parish councils were also against the scheme for the bank, which closed in November 2015.

On Tuesday night, Tendring Council’s planning committee rejected the plans to create seven new flats across three floors as well as another two-storey house on the back edge of the pavement.

Gary Guiver, planning manager, said it was a balance between supporting the restoration of the listed property against the loss of a commercial employment site in the town centre. The council has a duty to fully consider the opportunity to preserve and enhance the listed building,” he said.

“However, there is also a general presumption against the loss of commercial floor space and employment in town centres – it is very much a balancing act.”

Residents objected to the plans saying the large commercial building, in the town’s conservation area, is vital to the future of the High Street.

Alan Coley, Tendring councillor for Manningtree, said: “The small and unique Manningtree High Street is the only commercial and retail centre that we have in our significant and rapidly expanding area.”

There were also concerns over parking as the development only included two spaces for all eight properties.

Carlo Guglielmi, Tendring councillor for Manningtree, said: “We have no major problems with converting the space above to residential, but converting the whole building, and squashing a new house within the site, is a step too far.”

Ruth Stocks, Manningtree’s Mayor, said the town needs high street businesses.

“We are very happy with the decision, we need more shops not more houses,” she added.