CAMPAIGNERS have launched a desperate attempt to save one of the oldest houses in Hadleigh from the threat of demolition.

Plans to turn Harold House, in London Road, into a 12-flat complex were refused by Castle Point Council in January this year.

But developers have now lodged an appeal and submitted a fresh application to turn the property, which is more than 150 years old, into ten sheltered housing flats with five parking spaces.

The latest plans are due to come before councillors later this month.

Malcolm Brown, 53, of Conifers, Hadleigh, said residents needed to act to save what was still left of the area's fast disappearing heritage.

He said: "It's one of the rare reminders of what Hadleigh was like as a village and now it's going to get knocked down due to developers' greed.

"Although we've still got the castle and church, we haven't got much in between and this is one of the few buildings left with character."

Harold House appears on Hadleigh's tithe map of 1847 and is also included on the council's list of buildings of architectural or historic interest.

In February, the Waggon and Horses pub, opposite the historic building, was bulldozed to make way for a development of 31 sheltered apartments.

Blocks of flats are also set to go up at two further sites along London Road and in Oak Road North.

Mr Brown said: "Hadleigh has been so spoiled by what's gone on. These pretty soulless buildings are now creeping into the town centre."

Nicola Goodman, 41, who lives next to Harold House and spoke against the original proposals at the first planning meeting, said: "This application has hardly changed.

"It's wrong that profit is coming before people's rights and needs.

"The developer is trying to squeeze ten tiny units on there, when a perfectly good house could be occupied."

Submissions on the plans must be received by Tuesday, May 15.

Developers William Nelson declined to comment.