A BID to transform a derelict church into a restaurant has been rejected.

An application to demolish the United Reformed Church in Heybridge Basin and build a new a la carte restaurant was submitted to Maldon District Council by James Purdy.

The 19th century weatherboarded church has been closed for several years after its congregation diminished.

In 2005 plans to bulldoze the building and build a two-storey house were rejected while plans for a fish restaurant on the site in 2008 were thrown out at appeal.

Mr Purdy wanted to demolish the eyesore building and create a restaurant “like the ones you get down at Mersea.”

But residents and Maldon District Council’s environment officer raised concerns over the proposals.

Heybridge Parish Council also objected to the proposals.

There were concerns over noise, ventilation, construction and parking as well as the effect a new restaurant would have on existing pubs and tearooms.

The council has now rejected the plans.

The refusal notice said: “The proposed use of the site would be at contrast with the residential character of the area, failing to preserve and enhance the character of the conservation area.

“The proposed development as a result of its use and its close proximity to neighbouring properties would result in demonstrable harm to the occupiers of the neighbouring properties by reason of noise and disturbance.”