Proposals to install five flats and a café in a narrow High Street building have been rejected.

Southend Council has thrown out Malken Estates’ proposals for 120 High Street, which is currently occupied on the ground floor by retailer GAME.

The applicant had submitted the plans after claiming GAME was looking to move out of the site and relocate elsewhere in Southend.

Malken had planned rear extensions to the upper floors to create space for five flats and along with a four-bedroom house of multiple occupation.

It was hoped a dessert bar of café would be found to occupy the front of the ground floor, meaning the commercial use of the building would be partially retained.

Malken had claimed its proposals would be the best use for the site and would help reinvigorate it.

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The applicant also said it would help to provide a long-term future for a building amid claims the High Street was an “economically inactive place”.

But planning officers have rejected the plans amid concerns the proposed apartments would be too cramped and lead to “inadequate living conditions”.

This would, according to the report outlining the decision, be “accentuated by the absence of outdoor amenity space” for people living in the flats.

There was also fears the extension and proposals would affect light in both the building and neighbouring buildings.

Malken has until August 12 if it wishes to appeal the decision.