Protected trees and buildings also played a part in refusing the plans, Chelmsford City Council says.

The council leader describes it as a difficult decision.

Residents are being trained in how to safely intervene when they see hostile situations.

It could help some of the 480 people waiting for affordable housing in the city.

Traders say the works mean people often assume their businesses are closed.

A Chelmsford car repair business employee quits, blaming dust and debris from "overloaded lorries".

The proposed Chelmsford scheme has been formally submitted after it was outlined earlier this year.

National Grid wants to build 114-mile long (184km) power line from Tilbury in Essex to Norwich.