An appeal has been lodged against a council’s refusal to allow a barn to be transformed into a vets.

Braintree Council rejected Elizabeth Wick’s application for change of use of the building at Boones Farm, Halstead Road, High Garrett, from agricultural barn to veterinary clinic in January.

The council claimed that existing policies stated that the conversion of rural buildings must include safe vehicular access and that the proposed development would increase the use of an already substandard junction with the A131, which could be dangerous.

In her application, Mrs Wicks said partners of a local veterinary surgery had expressed an interest in turning the barn, which was originally a small dairy and later a workshop and store, into a smaller satellite practice.

It would provide full-time employment for at least two people.

Following the council’s rejection of the plans, an appeal has now been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate.

A decision will be made following written representations from both parties.