The demolition of an electrical substation to make way for 11 flats would cause "chaos" in surrounding roads, it is claimed.

Epping Forest District Council has recommended the approval of a plan to create nine two-bedroom and two one-bedroom flats at the site of the London Underground facility in Station Way, Buckhurst Hill.

A previous proposal from developer Greenplace Capital Ltd were refused on the grounds that the proposed building was too bulky and ithere was insufficient parking.

Now similar concerns have been raised about the new application, which is around 10m high.

Malcolm Godwin, 63, of Station Way, said: “If it goes ahead it would be chaos.

“There’s already insufficient parking here and a development of that size will make the roads a nightmare.

“I don’t think you’ll find anyone who doesn’t want to see something built there but I think it should be something about half the size.

“The residents here are reasonable; the council should listen to us.”

The plans include 12 car parking spaces, which some residents feel is insufficient.

Devendra Patel, 65, owner of Valley News newsagents in Station way, said: “As soon as there is a school bus or a lorry with all the parked cars someone has to give way and it’s chaos.”

However, Helen Partridge, 27, of Walnut Way has a property which backs on to the development site and she cautiously welcomes the proposal.

She said: “I’m in favour to an extent.

"I’ve been told that there will be obscured glass on our side of the building people won’t be able to overlook our garden.

"It’s ugly as it is and there are a lot of vermin around so it’s good it’s being redeveloped."

The pans will be considered by members of the Planning Subcommittee South on March 5 at Roding Valley High School in Brook Road, Loughton, at 7.30pm.