NEIGHBOURS are worried doubling the height of a block of flats will mean more traffic problems on an already “notorious” road.

Redbridge Council told residents of Abberton Court in Woodford Green about their plans to build another 10 flats on top of their three-storey block last year.

The proposals will double the height of the building in Prospect Road, but will not provide any extra parking spaces.

Andrea St Hill, who has lived in the road for 16 years, says she is not against the development, but thinks the council is being irresponsible by not providing the right infrastructure.

She said: “Prospect Road is very narrow and used as a cut through for drivers who want to avoid the traffic lights at the Snakes Lane East/Hillside Avenue junction.

“Cars line both sides of the road, leaving barely any space for cars to pass.

“At rush hour and during the morning and afternoon school run it’s already awful.

“Ten more flats could mean 10 more cars and without extra parking, it’s going to be an absolute nightmare.”

She and her neighbours also have concerns a six-storey building would be out of character in a residential street like theirs.

She added: “It’s effectively a mini tower block – it’s far too high.

“We’re not against the development as such - we know there’s a desperate shortage of social housing in Redbridge.

“But the council aren’t being very responsible and are rushing through these plans.

“If they go through, they show they don’t really care about us.”

But Redbridge cabinet member for housing Cllr Farah Hussain claims Abberton Court residents are very pleased with the proposals, which will include a new lift and “general improvements” to the block.

She said: “The reason we want to build more flats in Abberton Court is because we have 2,200 families living in temporary accommodation and I don’t think that’s good enough.

“I want them to have permanent homes in Redbridge they can afford to live in.”

The Labour councillor also accused Conservative Bridge ward councillor Paul Canal of “political opportunism” by rallying residents against the plans.

She said: “Cllr Canal has had ample opportunity to meet council officers to discuss this development.

“He was told about them in November and it’s taken him until now to do anything.

“If there are traffic and parking problems in Prospect Road, a road in his ward, why hasn’t he flagged them up with council officers to get them fixed?

"Ten more flats don't necessarily mean 10 more cars, because council tenants are less likely to drive."

Cllr Canal denied the accusations. He said: “I was contacted by residents in Prospect Road who had found out about the council’s plans for Abberton Court.

“I’ve organised the meeting because I want to get their views and give that feedback to the council.

“It’s difficult to envisage a six-storey tower block that is in keeping with the local area, but I’m waiting to here residents thoughts.”

The meeting will take place at Prospect Hall in Prospect Road between 7 and 9pm on April 11.