A funeral director spoke of frustration after his planning application was rejected on emotional grounds and has vowed to appeal.

Adam & Greenwood funeral directors submitted plans to Maldon District Council on June 25 for the premises on Maldon High Street which were rejected by the Central Area Planning Committee last Wednesday.

Residents of Baker Mews retirement complex, directly behind the planned funeral home had slammed the plans as ‘insensitive’ in August, saying they did not want to look out of the window and see coffins and hearses.

Ray Ward, an original partner of Adam & Greenwood, said: “The committee turned it down on the emotional thing of people being upset we are funeral directors.

“We are the fourth emergency service.

“It’s very important we are there and do what we are supposed to do.

“There were no planning grounds for refusal.

“Of course it’s frustrating, we will appeal.”