A bid to build flats in the car park of an eyesore Midsomer Norton pub has been rejected.

Plans submitted by Centurion Projects SW said the Stones Cross Hotel was considered a "disgrace to the town" after it was shut following a drugs raid.

The firm said the development of two- and three-bed flats was "much-needed" and "will help to support local amenities, economy and community".

The Midsomer Norton Social Club next door said the access being proposed was dangerous and objected to the pub's skittle alley being described in the plans as partially demolished.

It said the new homes would be in "such close proximity" and raised concerns that the occupants could complain about noise from its well established entertainment nights.

Club bosses said they feared the flats would be the first step in turning the old pub into housing as well.

It said: "We feel it would be better for the town for the public house to be reopened as a controlled and functioning business."

Objecting to the proposals, Councillor Shaun Hughes said the Station Road site should not be looked at in isolation and there could be "great opportunity" for Midsomer Norton if the "Welton Bag" was part of the same development.

Assessing the plans, Bath and North East Somerset Council planning officers accepted that the pub could reopen and survive without a car park, and the town needs housing.

But they were not convinced the site was big enough for six homes, and said the scheme would harm the conservation area and the "attractive and authentic" Victorian pub.

The officers were not satisfied about the access to the site.

Planning permission was refused by delegated powers.

Centurion Projects SW's previous bid to build to redevelop the site was also rejected because officers were not convinced six terraced houses would fit.

The pub has been shut down for several years.

A B&NES Council licensing subcommittee in 2014 heard there had been a "horrifying catalogue of drug dealing and criminality, and that other premises in Midsomer Norton had been contaminated by the illegal activities taking place in the Stones Cross Hotel".

According to minutes from that meeting, class A, B and C drugs were all sold from the site and a police operation led to individuals being charged with more than 100 different offences.

Superintendent Richard Cadden told the meeting it was one of the worst cases he had seen during his 29 years in the police.

The subcommittee revoked the licence.