PLANS for a dentist's surgery recommended for approval have instead been thrown out by councillors.

Anu Sood's plan to convert 31 Lindsey Street, in Epping, into a dental surgery attracted strong opposition from her neighbours concerned at an increase in traffic in their road.

Members of the district council's planning committee rejected the proposal on the grounds it did not offer enough parking spaces.

Committee chairman councillor Matt Colling said: “If we allowed for five parking spaces we were concerned that there would be one space for the dentist and one for the receptionist leaving three spaces for the clients. With a dentist there's quite a quick turnover and there'd be no spaces left. There needs to be at least seven parking spaces or there will be an overspill into the road and it'd be a nightmare there.”

Nearby residents have welcomed the move although there is still concern about what the future may hold.

Alexander Gibb, of Lindsey Street, said: “It's the right result. Basically it was a question of highways, the parking, and the traffic flow on and off the site. I think she'll appeal again. If it keeps going in, we'll keep objecting.”

Kim Carpenter, of Beulah Road, said: “It's a great relief. Parking up there is diabolical at the end of the road. You can hardly see out into Lindsey Street. I don't think it's a suitable place at all for a surgery. It's not even within walking distance of a car park.

“I don't know the woman but I'm sure she's not going to leave it alone. I'm highly delighted for now.”

Ms Sood's agent has yet to comment on the decision.