Flats decision deferred

Written by Edmund Tobin and published in Epping Forest Guardian on Fri 12th Oct 2007

JUDGEMENT on a planning application for a block of eight flats in Buckhurst Hill has been deferred after councillors spoke of their concern about potential traffic problems.

Planning permission to demolish three terraced houses and build the flats at 107-111 Epping New Road was granted in 2002 but has since expired.

Planning committee councillors heard that traffic in the area has increased since permission was given and that the layout of the proposed car park might prove hazardous.

A local resident, Ms J. Fox, said: "We have great concerns about the entering and leaving of vehicles to the site. We will now be subjected to further traffic. We ask that our safety is considered with regard to the movement of vehicles."

Councillor Ann Haigh said: "I think the growth of traffic movement in the area has been significant and also the increase in parking restrictions. There have been fatalities on Epping New Road. That area is under a lot of pressure."

Councillor Lesley Wagland said: "I think there's a real chance of stacking back up in the High Road. It seems extremely dangerous. I don't think it's a good design layout."

Councillors voted to defer a decision until greater advice from the Highways Authority could be sought.