THURROCK Council officers have refused an application for a new church hall for St Michael's Church in Aveley.

The church and applicant, well-known community stalwart Demus Lee, hoped to build a two-storey church hall near the listed building to enable it to accommodate a Sunday school, Cubs, Brownies, Scouts and Guides along with playgroups, new mothers' meetings, war veterans and pensioner group meetings.

The activities would also include weddings, wakes, birthdays, harvest festivals, Christmas plays and summer fetes. However, planning officers were concerned about the impact of the large building.

The congregation was previously able to use Reemer Hall in Mill Road, Aveley.

It functioned well for more than 50 years and provided "versatile accommodation for both the congregation and the local community" but, by 2010, had become increasing difficult and expensive to maintain.

A previous proposal was withdrawn, with the new proposal changed in scale and situated in the south east zone of the Churchyard, in an area where there are few known burials.

The council received four letters of objection for the first application and five for the latest amended application.

Concerns raised included restricting light to a residential property, increased noise levels, removal of vegetation and traffic parking and access difficulties. Residents were also concerned about disturbance to family graves and a "potential to significantly diminish the aesthetics of the area".

David Thornett, of Lennard Row, Aveley, said: "I am strongly opposed to this revised planning application. Despite some minimal proposed changes, I still have serious concerns about the negative impacts on my property, the residents of the road and the surrounding area.

"One major concern is that the proposed area is a churchyard with many burials.

"Building over these graves is disrespectful and unacceptable. Families would no longer be able to visit and pay respects to their loved ones."

Rebecca Oleary, also of Lennard Row, added: "I appreciate that some changes have been proposed, but I remain deeply concerned about the potential negative impacts this development may still have on my property and the surrounding environment.

"Even with the revisions, the erection of the church hall has the potential to significantly diminish the aesthetics of the area.

"The architectural presence of a two-storey structure in very close proximity to my property could alter the visual harmony and character of the neighbourhood."

Refusing the application, which was not considered by councillors, planning officers said: "The scale of the proposed building would be excessively prominent within its setting.

"The design is poorly conceived, with a lack of sympathy for the surrounding area, and it fails to incorporate sufficient architectural detail or visual interest.

"Furthermore, the development does not enhance, preserve, or protect the setting of nearby heritage assets, which is a key consideration in planning policy."