Controversial plans to build four apartments just off a mini-roundabout in Hoole were rejected by councillors at Tuesday's planning committee meeting.

The proposals, submitted by Mr M Vaezzadeh, sought to demolish the existing osteopathic surgery bungalow at the junction of Hoole Lane and Canadian Avenue, to be replaced by a three-storey detached building containing four apartments.

There would also be a detached bike storage and bin store area and parking to the front and rear of the property.

But a number of Hoole residents and Chester Civic Trust objected to the plans, citing overdevelopment, inadequate parking and fears cars would be backing out on to a busy mini-roundabout.

Despite the objections, the apartments bid had been recommended for approval after a council report said the developments would not be out of character in the surrounding area and there would be no unacceptable impact on highway safety.

However, Hoole ward councillors Alex Black and Angie Chidley called in the application, where it was debated in this week's planning committee meeting.

In the meeting, Cllr Chidley said Hoole Lane was a particularly busy road and anyone reversing out of the proposed property could cause "a serious issue".

Cllr Tom Blackmore said he would back the bid, arguing the only building which currently looked out of character along that street presently was the existing bungalow, and there were nearby residents who had no problems with moving their cars on to the road.

The committee refused the application on an 8:2 vote, stating the property would look cramped and overdeveloped, out of keeping with the local area and had highways safety issues.