PERMISSION to demolish an old function hall and replace it with flats has finally been given after months of wrangling.

The go-ahead to knock down Manor Hall, in Manor Road, Chigwell, was originally given last October, but permission was later pulled after developer Steve Mucklow submitted revised plans which would result in greater overlooking from the ten flats due to replace the building.

Under yet another set of plans for the hall new changes including the scaling back of a balcony, the removal of a window and more screening allayed councillors' fears about the project although criticism was still heard.

One resident representing nearby neighbours in Fontayne Avenue told the district council's are plans sub-committee: "I object to the adverse overlooking of my patio and garden. I would ask that the condition of eye-level screening remains in place.

"We strongly contest the planning officer's assertion that the overlooking is usual in the area."

The resident added that trees planted to screen the dwelling would take years to mature.

Chigwell councillor John Knapman said: "We've gone as far as we can with this. I raised the issue of the patio as a possible concern - they've addressed that. They've removed the windows. They've pretty much done everything that we've asked them to do."

He added: "I'm not even sure there is any overlooking anymore. There are other flats in Chigwell where there's far more overlooking than this one.

"We've now got a scheme which is acceptable and one certainly I'm very comfortable with."