Proposals to convert a dental practice in Needham Market into a home have been blocked by planners.

Deepak Kumar Nankni had proposed changing the use of Kindersley House, off High Street, to Mid Suffolk District Council.

The building is a former residential property that was converted to a dental surgery in 1991.

The application was submitted as the practice had been granted planning permission for a new, larger site at 129 High Street.

Planning documents submitted alongside the application said: "The property is to be converted with the minimum of intervention and may in time be ‘refurbished’ however the intention of this application is secure the approval for the change in the use of the building rather than for any extensive refurbishment or remodelling, which would be left, if required to potential new owners.

"The works required for the conversion will restore some of the features that have been obscured by the historic conversion."

However, Mid Suffolk's planning department has refused to grant the scheme permission.

The planners said in their notice the proposal "would result in loss of employment use".