Controversial plans for a nine-flat development that critics claim would block sunlight to a church have been resubmitted.

In March, councillors voted to refuse the proposal from Spencer Rose for the building conversion behind High Road properties in Loughton.

Serious objections had been raise by several businesses and organisations nearby, including the adjacent Loughton Methodist Church, which claimed the proposed upwards extension would block out natural light to the worship area.

Other issues with the proposals included plans for waste storage and a lack of visitor parking.

Slightly altered plans have now been resubmitted and will be considered by councillors next Wednesday (July 1) but with no change to the proposed height of the building, the church has objected again.

In a statement, the church said there would be “significant loss of light and natural light to the worship area, with the sole light source being from roof lights,” with a first floor window also blocked.

Following the previous refusal developers have made some changes to plans, including providing individual waste compactors in each flat, a new cycle storage area on the first floor and keeping an existing air extraction unit.

Despite the concessions, which would make one flat smaller and remove all natural sunlight from another, the proposals have again drawn multiple objections.

The Olive Tree and nearby Subway both raised concerns about the proposed waste storage, with Subway saying: “The refuse store is inadequate and will likely overspill, causing vermin issues.”

The existing building’s freeholder also claimed that waste compactors are “a contrived solution” and said the proposed storage area blocks a current fire escape.

Loughton Town Council said “members were concerned” about the proposed bike storage and the lack of parking.

District planners have recommended the proposals for approval.

The district council planning meeting runs from 7.30pm at Roding Valley High School.