Concerns have been raised about crime resuming in Trippier House in Greenstead, Colchester, with the site thrown back into uncertainty.

Goldgate Properties Limited applied to transform the property in Blackthorn Avenue, which has been vacant for four years, into a house of multiple occupancy.

Residents living in the 46 individual ensuite rooms would have shared communal kitchens and dining areas if the blueprints were approved.

HMO plan - Trippier House in Greenstead, Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

But Colchester Council refused the plans, stating they would not offer “satisfactory living conditions for future occupiers, resulting in a poor living environment.”

The council’s place and client manager Karen Syrett said the 46-bed proposal would create a “harmful intensification” of the building.

A report reads: “[The use] would not be compatible with the neighbouring residential uses and is considered to create harmful noise and disturbance impacts to the neighbouring properties.

“There is insufficient information to determine that any noise, disturbance and/or odour impacts can be dealt with by way of conditions.”

Vandalised - Trippier House has been targeted by vandals (Image: Newsquest)

The derelict building was repeatedly targeted by vandals throughout spring last year as it became a hub of anti-social behaviour.

Eyewitnesses told the Gazette that as many as 13 teenage louts were “causing havoc” by breaking fencing and smashing tiles at the site.

Greenstead councillor Tim Young suggested it could be used to host Ukrainian refugees after work was done to secure the building.

Mr Young said he and fellow councillor Molly Bloomfield have met with the site’s owner, who revealed he plans to return with a new plan.

Optimistic - Tim Young at the site in Blackthorn Avenue (Image: Newsquest)

“He realises it’s not a suitable application but he still wanted it to go ahead,” said Mr Young.

“We are quite positive that he is going to come up with a better scheme.

“I’m open to suggestions but it has to be something that fits in with what residents and the local community wants.

“We’re going to discuss it in more detail and he is going to have preliminary discussions with planning officers before a new bid.”