WANSTEAD: Traders slam flats appeal (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WANSTEAD: Traders slam flats appeal

3:01pm Friday 3rd July 2009 in News By Charlie Campbell

EMBATTLED traders have condemned plans to demolish a row of shops to make way for a block of luxury flats as it would creating an “absolute nightmare” for parking.

Plans to convert four empty premises in Station Parade, opposite Snaresbrook Tube station, into a modern housing development including new commercial units were turned down by Redbridge Council in February.

But the developers have now appealed against the decision and shopkeepers are calling for the scheme to be axed once again.

The Tanning Shop manager Irene Butler said while it may be slightly beneficial for trade, its impact on parking will be too severe.

She added: “It will be an absolute nightmare. We pay extra rates at the moment for parking spaces but even now we have aggravation as people going to the station sneak in and use them.

“And with builders' lorries it will be much worse.” Leonard Daniels Beauty Salon manager Walled Butt asked why no businesses nearby had received a notice from Redbridge Council informing them of the planning application.

He added: “The problem is that they are supposed to send a notification document to local shopkeepers about any planning proposal but I have never received anything.

“It will be a massive problem as already we are unable to find any parking spaces around here and there just are not the facilities for them.

“Plus it will block out a large part of the sky and greenery so destroy quality of life.”

Proposals for the three one-bedroom and two two-bedroom block were rejected by the council's regulatory committee for being overbearing in appearance, overlooking otehr properties, entailing loss of sunlight and providing inadequate amenity space.

A spokesman for Redbridge Council said 26 neighbouring properties were consulted about this application and a notice placed in the window of 1-3 Station Parade.

He added: “The applicant has made an appeal to the Secretary of State against the refusal of the planning application.  The appeal was lodged on June 19.

“On June 22, the Planning and Regeneration Service wrote to all objectors to the planning application, advising of the appeal.”