THE refusal of a controversial application to build blocks of flats overlooking a nature reserve is being challenged this week.
Waltham Forest Council's planning committee approved a new application from Sherrygreen Homes and A2 Dominion to build 124 flats in four blocks up to seven storeys high on Essex Wharf, which is within the Lee Valley Park, off Lea Bridge Road in Leyton.
This was despite objections from residents, environmental campaigners, Hackney Council and the Lee Valley Regional Park authority (LVRP), which said the proposal was inappropriate for the location, beside the Lee Navigation canal and overlooking the Walthamstow Marshes nature reserve.
The LVRP has referred the decision to Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles to make a final decision.
Meanwhile the developers are appealing against a decision to reject a previous application for a larger development on the site.
The application for 144 flats in blocks of up to nine storeys was turned down for being inappropriate for the site.
The planning inspector has been hearing from the developers, interested parties and campaigners against the development.
They have also taken part in a site visit.
The appeal is due to end on Thursday (January 27) and the planning inspector is expected to announce his decision in two months.
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