COUNTY planners have rejected proposals to convert an office building in Hereford into a place of worship. Applicant Matthew Lane from Weobley wanted to convert the three storey mid terrace building on Eign Street. More than 30 residents objected to the proposals and Herefordshire Council planners have rejected the scheme. John Bothamley, of Hereford Civic Society, said the plans were very poorly presented. He said: “The scheme is submitted with scant regard to building regulations. “There is no safe means of escape from the second floor bedsit.” He referenced the 'ablution areas' and made the assumption that the building's use is most likely to be for Muslim prayer, detailed in the application to be between the hours of 6am and 11pm. Kalyani Menon, writing on behalf of the residents of Watkins Court, objected because of the extra traffic it would create. She said: “The courtyard behind 135 Eign Street would no doubt become a car park for the congregation. “This can only be accessed from Friar Street, a one way street with traffic flowing from Barton Road north to Eign Street. “As a result, there would be a substantial increase in traffic throughout the length of Friar Street.” Objector John Curley agreed. He said: “It would appear that there is only availability for six parking spaces, this cannot be enough. “This area is predominantly residential with a small amount of retail shops and this seems an entirely unsuitable location for a community hall and funeral parlour. “The seven day, 24 hour usage will have a big impact on the local residents’ quality of life.” Council planners said the scheme failed to provide sufficient and safe parking provision for the proposed use which would likely result in vehicles reversing out onto the highway. They said the proposals went against the county’s local plan and the location was contrary to the council’s core strategy because of the impact it would have on nearby houses.