CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert a redundant care home into student accommodation have been thrown out.

Davie Vive Kananda, the chief executive officer of Essex County Cares, submitted proposals to revamp Scarletts Care Home in Recreation Road, Colchester.

The care home was closed in June last year after a damning inspection by the Care Quality Commission which led to Essex County Council withdrawing the firm’s contract.

Essex County Cares wanted to convert the 47-bed home into temporary housing or student accommodation, however, the proposals drew opposition from residents and ward councillors.

Lee Scordis (Lab, Old Heath and Hythe) said: “The road leading to the care home and the school is privately-owned by the owner of the care home, which has caused real issues managing parking and access in general.

“The owner has been unhelpful at best and student development here would have likely led to an increase in traffic adding to the current safety concerns outside the school.

“The rooms proposed were incredibly small and it looked like 49 students would share one kitchen. Students are also unlikely to benefit the area as there are few amenities.

“As far as I can see the only reason for the planning application was to make a quick buck.”

Experts from Colchester Council’s planning department rejected the application, saying students were not compatible with the area.

Planners said the proposal also “failed to provide a satisfactory living environment for future occupants” and included “ insufficient information in relation to highway safety and parking”.

Concerns were also raised over how many students would be staying at the premises once they were converted.

A report states: “The application fails to provide sufficient information in relation to the number of student bedrooms on site.

“If the scheme is major development, a legally binding mechanism will be required to secure a range of planning obligations.”