A BID to win approval to convert a Grays hairdresser's premises to a restaurant has been rejected.

An application was made for prior approval to change the existing business use of a corner property at 43 Bedford Road from a hairdresser's to the restaurant, which would have required the creation os a commercial kitchen and an external flue.

Planning officers decreed that if approval was to be given it would have to be via full application because of the material changes to the building as well as change of use.

They also told the applicant use of the premises as a restaurant would be likely to result in comings and goings and different times of the day in comparison to the former use.

The refusal notice added: "The proposed development, by virtue of the positioning, height, design and appearance of the flue and the unmitigated and exposed positioning of the refuse storage facilities, would detract from the appearance of the site and the locality and the character of the area as a whole."