CONDITIONS imposed on a developer which wants to build on top of a block of flats have given homeowners hope of a reprieve.

Waterhouse Properties wants to expand Avon Court, and plans were approved on Tuesday.

All nine residents of the block in the Ridgeway, Chingford, and six neighbours objected, claiming the expansion would effect the value of their properties, further restrict parking and cause disruption.

This prompted the application to be referred to the planning committee and, despite being approved, strict conditions were attached to approval.

These included requiring the developer to build new facilities, such as extra space for refuse and bicycle storage in the flats’ grounds.

However, a solicitor has informed residents that the developer, which owns the freehold on the property, cannot build around the block without the permission of residents.

Resident Hannah Wye, 30, said: “According to our solicitor, (the developer) will need to get around that issue if they want to build these extra facilities. Hopefully this will give us more time to seek further legal advice.”

Neighbour Bernadine Pritchett, 44, said: “None of us want to get our hopes up but it is a possibility that it could work in our favour.”