The proposed building, known as Sheldrake House, was to be located on land at the corner of Eastgate car park near The Hub, replacing the old lock up garages.

Sleaford Town Council who put forward the plans had intended the building would contain a foyer with toilets, bar, kitchen and a 231sq m community room for use by local groups as well as council meetings.

Upstairs there was to have been four offices and a store.

But the district council’s north planning sub-committee voted against the scheme in line with officers’ recommendations, claiming the building would over-dominate the neighbouring retirement flats, known as The Folly.

They also feared the gap between the two buildings would create a secluded, darkened passage that would attract anti-social behaviour.

Clive Wicks, agent for the town council, expressed his astonishment at the decision after years of ‘positive’ negotiations with officers and directors of the district council.

Members of the planning sub-committee felt there were other locations where the community centre could be built within the car park, possibly in the middle or close to the river bank.

Town and district councillor David Suiter said officers had given good reasons to refuse the application and described it as “an open and shut case for refusal”.

He said a smaller building would offer more amenity value and agreed that with the proposed building nearby residents would suffer enormously from increased antisocial behaviour.