APARTMENTS for disabled residents were unanimously rejected by councillors out of fear they will have an impact on a Grade II listed Martello Tower.

Frinton and Walton town councillors voted against further changes to HSN Care’s 16-home development at the former Martello Caravan Park in Kirby Road, including moving it about six metres further into the site.

The enabled living facility for profoundly disabled adults is near the Martello Tower K, which is a scheduled ancient monument.

There will be a medical centre and pharmacy next to it in Kirby Road, which received outline planning permission in December 2015.

The two-storey building will be just a metre lower than the Martello Tower.

Councillor Paul Clifton said it was “heartbreaking” for the two buildings to be nearly as tall as one another, while Nick Turner said it “fails miserably” to maintain and enhance the historic tower.

Historic England said the plans will result in “further erosion of the setting” and will be “harmful to its significance”.

Councillor Pamela Walford added: “Am I the only one who thinks it looks like a prison? It’s not in keeping with the area at all.

“The Martello Tower is part of our heritage and shouldn’t be spoilt.”

Halstead Gazette:

Enabled living - HSN Care’s vision for apartments in Walton

Councillors were also concerned about the extra pressure the development would put on the town’s only doctor’s surgery.

Jack Robertson said: “There aren’t enough doctors and the surgery can’t attract any more so this might be the nail in the coffin – it could just be too much. They are already at their wits’ ends.

The original plans were accepted by Tendring Council last year.

Jack Goulde, director of HSN Care, said it would boost employment in Walton and benefit the town.

He said: “We’re going to be providing a number of job opportunities and we certainly welcome anyone interested in furthering their career in the care industry to contact us at their earliest convenience.

“Promoting jobs within the community is a key feature of enabled living services of our type.”

He added: “I’m delighted to be able to introduce enabled living to Walton. I know it’s an area and community which will benefit from the type of services we provide and we’re looking forward to working with local people.”