Plans to build 52 homes on a council-owned garage site have been rejected by a council committee.

Epping Forest District Council met last night to discuss the proposed development in Burton Road, Debden, where East Thames housing association wants to demolish used garages and build the properties as well as 27 parking spaces.

Twelve committee members, with five absent, unanimously voted against the plans stating they disliked the design, were concerned regarding the effect on neighbours and had complaints from residents who were worried about parking.

In the meeting it was stated that members "appreciated the need for affordable housing" and would have no objection to a smaller scheme that did not involve four-storey flats. 

The decision follows Loughton Residents Association (LRA) branding the plans as “wholly insufficient in an area which is already subject to considerable parking pressures.”

In a letter of objection the LRA said that the proposal provides for less than a quarter of parking spaces when following the Essex County Council standard.

According to the standard, which would see one space per 13 one-bedroom flats, two spaces per 39 housing units and 13 visitor spaces, there should have been 140 spaces proposed.

Torrington Drive resident Maryanne Smith Junior attended the meeting as a representative for local residents after many expressed concerns over "ridiculous designs" and "impossible parking layouts".

She said: "I went along to represent the residents and say our piece and concerns.

"I was very worried about parking in the area so the outcome is brilliant news.

"I am over the moon, I am not against the area being developed but it should look nice and be reasonable, not all crammed in."