A controversial application to double the size of a block of flats has been withdrawn.

Oakleighs Developments applied to add a four-storey extension to the block in Burlington Place, off High Road, Woodford Green.

Households, who claimed it would be too large for the narrow lane and their privacy would be compromised, won support from MP Iain Duncan Smith.

Now the application has been withdrawn, but a new proposal for the site is expected.
Cliff Bramah, 62, of Burlington Place, helped to organised the campaign.

He said: “I am delighted that the proposal has been withdrawn and feel that the residents rallying together has demonstrated the strength of feeling in opposition to this application.

“I expect that there will be a further planning application in due course.

“It would be great if the developer did not come back with a revised scheme so we did not have any more involvement in this.”

“The support of the councillors Linda Huggett and Jim O'Shea, along with Iain Duncan Smith MP, was very helpful in opposing the application.”

Mr Duncan Smith said: "I was very pleased to hear this application has been withdrawn. This is a good example of local residents coming together and achieving a really positive result. I will be keeping an eye on it in case the developer comes back with any further applications.”

Oakleighs Developments Ltd could not be contacted.