CAMPAIGNERS are “delighted” after a controversial plans for a run-down Wivenhoe community hall were refused.

Renowned potter Pru Green submitted proposals to turn the former St John Ambulance hall in Chapel Road into a studio and gallery with a first floor flat.

But the Wivenhoe Community Trust and town council opposed the plans, saying it would take away a much-needed community hall from the town.

Councillors Jon Manning and Stephen Ford, who represent Wivenhoe wards, opposed the plans because clubs and society needed more community spaces.

Essex county councillor Julie Young also spoke against the plans.

Some committee members led by Theresa Higgins wanted to deny the plans on parking and overbearing grounds alone, but were advised by council officers they couldn’t as a previous application had been refused on the grounds of community use.

Councillor Peter Higgins supported the application, and said: “There has been a genuine attempt to mitigate the overbearing nature since we last refused it and it is a pretty well-designed building for the use the applicant has in mind.

“If the council is having to work this hard to find reasons for refusal that will stick then perhaps the officer was right in the first place.”

Members of Colchester Council’s planning committee voted seven votes to four to refuse the “finely balanced” application during a meeting on yesterday evening, despite a planning officer recommending it be approved.

Read more in Monday's Gazette.