An "inadequate" proposal to redevelop an office block in Walton into flats was thrown out by councillors after concerns were raised about all elements of the plans.

Developers wanted to convert Bridge House, Bridge Street, in to 35 flats over a part three, part four and part five-storey building, following demolition of the existing offices.

The building, which would be 8.8m at the lowest points, would be two to five storeys along Bridge Street and would contain a mix of one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom flats.

New access to the development and 31 car parking spaces for the flats were also proposed.

But at a meeting of the north area planning subcommittee on Monday, August 11, councillors agreed with the planning officers' recommendation to refuse the application after concerns were raised about bin stores, lack of communal gardens and the proximity and "overbearing nature" to neighbouring residential properties.

Councillors also raised concerns about the "huge impact" parking from the proposed development would have in the neighbourhood. Councillor Chris Sadler said he was delighted the committee unanimously agreed against the development of the site in his ward.

Coun Sadler said: "I think it is just a shame they didn’t listen more to the concerns about over development.

"There are two five-storey office blocks there at the moment but they have a fair amount of space around them and most of it was put up in the 1960s when people weren’t so concerned about these issues.

"What they were trying to do was put up a solid block along Bridge Street."