Chelmsford residents have been left fuming after councillors gave the green light to plans to demolish a local pub.
Local residents packed the gallery at the planning meeting in which councillors considered the application to knock down the Marshams Arms and in its place build two houses, five flats and a retail unit.
Numerous speakers called for the pub, on Waterhouse Lane, to remain and the residents had collected a 1,000 signature petition arguing against the proposals. Both councillors for the ward also voiced opposition to the plans.
Local residents argued that the area already suffers from chaotic traffic and parking problems, which would be magnified if the proposal goes ahead. They also objected to the plans to build a convenience store, arguing that they have no need for another one in that area.
Speakers at Tuesday's meeting called for the pub to be kept as a facility for the use of the community.
But despite the local opposition, councillors claimed they could not turn the application down as there were no lawful grounds to refuse it and Essex County Council Highways Authority had given no opposition for traffic reasons.