A parish council says it has taken on public views and rejected plans to demolish a locally listed but vacant church.

Buckhurst Hill Parish Council also opposed two other major developments, including an assisted living development for the frail, to “protect the character of the area for the future”.

A large turnout of residents attended last week’s Planning and Environment Committee to hear public comments on planning proposals.

The Parochial Church Council at St Elisabeth’s Church in Chestnut Avenue, Buckhurst Hill, was seeking permission to demolish it and its hall to build seven three-storey flats and seven houses with parking and a community facility.

It said the demolition was “regrettable but justifiable” as the church, which dates back to 1937, has been left “redundant and idle” for a number of years and is a drain on the diocese’s resources.

But councillors said the plans were out of keeping with the local area and street scene and added they would prefer a ‘softer’ transition from neighbouring properties with staggered roofing.

There was also concern over the lack of infrastructure required to accommodate such a development.

The committee objected to another proposal of an assisted living development for the frail elderly in Powell Road, with communal facilities and double garage.

The green belt development was rejected after concerns over the height, size and density of development, increased levels of traffic and insufficient car parking arrangements.

Objections were also made to proposals for Buckhurst Way, which planned to build five self-contained homes in place of a single property.

The parish council was concerned that the plans were an overdevelopment of the site with access being on a well-known ‘dangerous’ bend.

Their comments will be sent to Epping Forest District Council which will make the final decision on the applications.

Conservative Councillor for Buckhurst Hill East Cllr Roger Taylor, who chaired the meeting, said: “It is really important for councillors to hear local views as this helps us make comments on behalf of the whole parish.

“Although we have to apply planning policy, at a local level we are more able to consider the direct impact on residents’ properties.”

Council chairman Aniket Patel added: “We are looking forward to working with residents to produce the Neighbourhood Plan which will shape and protect the character of Buckhurst Hill for the future.”