Opposition is growing to a plan to build four five-bedroom houses on a site currently occupied by one.

More than 50 residents in Church Lane and Wellfields in Loughton met on Sunday to discuss the proposal by Banner Homes for the site in Church Lane.

Howard Kauffman, 53, who lives next to the site and organised the meeting said: “The turnout of over 50 residents demonstrated the depth of local concern over ‘garden grabbing developments’.

"Neighbours were particularly upset at the substantial loss of trees proposed and all were concerned that the four, three-storey houses will significantly compromise the amenity of neighbouring properties and cause substantial overlooking issues”.

Caroline Loureda, 45, of Wellfields, said: “We only have a modest garden and these houses would be right on top of us and unbelievably they are proposing to put a new road in at the junction of Church Lane and Wellfields, which is dangerous enough as it is”.

The plans include a private road off Church Lane and 16 car parking spaces.

Residents opposed to the development have now set up a website to gather further support.

Click here for more information.