Plans for a new hotel in Romford town centre have been refused at a council meeting last night because of the proposed building’s visual impact on the conservation area.

The artist impression for a Premier Inn hotel, which could have opened its doors in Market Place, Romford, prompted mixed reaction from residents earlier his month with some describing the proposed design as “ugly” and an eyesore.

The planning application to convert retail space above the existing B&M discount shop at the corner of Market Link and Ducking Stool Court – previously home to TJ Hughes Department Store – into an 85-bedroom hotel and restaurant was submitted to the council in May.

The hotel would have created about 35 full-time and part-time jobs.

But the plans were refused because of the visual impact on the conservation area, the lack of amenities and parking arrangements and the pressure on traffic.

Christine Santa-Ana, who lives in Nayland Court in one the flats above Market Place, told councillors the plans would impede on her privacy.

“We have a lovely courtyard – no-one knows it exists but this proposal will mean the hotel directly overlooks on our courtyard,” she said.

The plans had previously divided Recorder readers, with many commenting on the building’s appearance.