Residents living near the site where two blocks of flats were proposed say they are delighted the plan has been rejected.

A long-running campaign was launched to stop developers building two blocks of 26 two-bedroom flats in George Street, Harwich.

Developers Haven Developments & Properties first submitted plans to build the new flats in February last year.

Concerned residents living near the site bombarded Tendring Council with letters opposing the application, which they said would cause major parking problems in the town.

Betty Holbrook, of George Street, Harwich, said: “We noticed builders on the site last year, and when we asked what they were doing there, they said they were going to build flats and that’s when we realised the land had been sold.

“When we discovered developers wanted to build 26 flats and only 11 parking spaces we were very concerned because in the end there could have been up to 52 cars there.”

“We have a massive problem with parking in Harwich, which has very narrow streets.”

In October last year, the plans were rejected by the council, but the developers appealed against the decision.

Residents then wrote letters to the Secretary of State, opposing the flats.

Now the company’s appeal has been rejected.

Mrs Holbrook said: “We are delighted. It is nice to know that local people get heard when it comes to new developments.