A PRIVATE hospital is due to find out if it will get permission for a large expansion despite local protests.

Holly House Hospital, in Buckhurst Hill High Road, has faced widespread objections to its plans for a bigger building particularly from residents living in Knighton Lane, behind the proposed development.

Colin Smith, 60, who lives in Duchess Grove, just off Knighton Lane, said: “We object to the size and scale of the development, not just the extra staff but extra patients, and the impact of that on parking on local roads.”

Under Holly House's plans the existing hospital building would gain 13 extra consultant rooms, 21 extra bedrooms and 76 extra staff.

Its current plan, due to be discussed at Epping Forest District Council next Wednesday (August 26) is a revision of an earlier plan which it withdrew.

Mr Smith said: “The revised plans are no different to the previous plans apart from they're knocking down a little cottage which gives them more parking spaces. I don't think a few extra parking spaces is going to make a significant impact, and it's no extra parking for patients. It's a very slight change.”

The hospital faces objections from 30 residents, the local residents' society and the Conservators of Epping Forest.

The Conservators' objection reads: “The proposed three-storey building would be visually intrusive when viewed from the forest. The development would result in a more intensive use of land that has the potential to significantly increase the amount of traffic in the area that could result in congestion and safety problems which could affect forest land.”

A hospital spokesperson said:"Following discussions with the council's planners and local residents we have submitted a revised application to provide additional onsite parking in front of the existing building and restricted access from Knighton Lane with through traffic via the hospital’s main entrance on the High Road only.”