Three sets of proposals to build 'affordable' homes on the site of garages are being opposed.

The trio of planned developments in Coopersale and Epping saw councillors unanimously vote to reject them at an Epping Town Council meeting on Tuesday (August 25).

Plans for four 'affordable' homes with eight parking spaces on the garages site next to 44 Parklands, Coopersale, sparked concerns from councillors about the loss of amenity space.

Councillors also spoke out to register issues regarding a right of way serving the site.

The planning and general purposes committee also recommended the rejection of plans for two 'affordable' homes with three parking spaces on the garages site next to 36 Springfield, Epping.

Plans by the developer, East Thames Housing Group, who applied for permission to erect two two-bedroom houses and two one-bedroom bungalows on the garages site next to 17 Springfield, were the third to be opposed.

Councillors were told that 34 of the 39 garages were currently being used.

A petition from residents opposing the loss of parking was presented to the town council.

Councillor Tony Church said: "As a town council, and that there is a petition, we have an obligation to consider the local residents."