PLANS to convert a property off Orford Lane into an eight-bedroom house have been withdrawn – six weeks after rumours of it becoming a bail hostel were dismissed.

Applicant Mere Hall Estates hoped to turn the Laira Street building from a 'first floor dwelling and out of use ground floor workshop' into a home with eight en-suite rooms.

But twelve objections over parking, invasion of privacy and fly-tipping flooded in to the authority after residents were notified of the plans.

Speculation over the property becoming a bail hostel escalated but on May 6 Gary Szilagy, from Rowley Szilagy, the application agent, refuted the claims.

He said: "As you will see from the application this is an application for a shared house aimed at the public and professional markets due to its proximity to the town centre and railway station, hence our appointment, having gained similar permission from the authority in other local sites."

However, last Tuesday, June 21, the application was officially withdrawn following discussions with Mere Hall Estates and Rowley Szilagy.

Fairfield and Howley Labour councillor Tony Higgins believes the right choice has been made.

He said: "I'm pleased that the planning application for Laira Street has been withdrawn, therefore bringing a sense of relief to concerned residents.

"The unease felt by many was valid, especially the extra parking that would have been required in an already overbuilt residential area, making this a sensible decision by the applicant to withdraw.

"My fellow colleagues Cllr Jean Flaherty and Cllr Peter Carey have given residents a voice on this matter.

"We will continue to monitor this situation for further possible applications and we will again fight for what is right for residents."

One resident to object felt the area did not require further rented accommodation as there is already a 'sufficient' amount on offer.

She also believed the number of bins 'needed and being left out' following the development could cause 'hygiene problems'.

"At present there is one frosted window looking over the back of my property. In the plans there are three windows which will look over the back of my house, invading my privacy," she added.

"A concern is this type of accommodation will have an effect on the price of my property.

"There is already problems with parking within this area. Vehicles will park in the back streets causing an obstruction.

"This will prevent service vehicles and emergency vehicles getting access."