Plans for an "overbearing" three-storey block of flats behind a disused pub have been rejected. 

Applicant Richard Gillanders wanted to demolish a single-storey garage behind The Bell in The Broadway, Rainham, and replace it with nine new homes. 

Four one-bed and five two-bed flats were proposed, plus facilities including nine parking spaces, capacity for 12 bikes, and a bin storage area. 

However, in a recently-published decision notice, Havering Council refused the application, with a total of 15 reasons given. 

These included the “overbearing” size of the proposed development, the lack of disabled access, and that none of the homes are three or four-bed family units, contrary to the Havering Local Plan. 

The loss of the pub garden, which would have a “detrimental impact on the functionality and viability of The Bell Inn public house as a community facility”, and the “substandard accommodation” of six flats due to their low ceilings, were also among the reasons listed. 

Cubit Consulting, the agent working on behalf of the applicant, was approached for comment. 

View the application using the reference P1318.22.