CAMPAIGNERS vowed to press ahead to find a suitable development for a historic site, after the government inspectorate threw out two proposals and criticised the council's planning process.

A public inquiry by the government's Planning Inspectorate has upheld the council's refusal of plans to develop the site of the former Chepstow building, in Leicester Road, Wanstead.

Redbridge Council threw out two schemes for the site, including one that a local resident's group – the Counties Residents' Association (CRA) – had supported, following lengthy negotiations with developers Telford Homes.

This means three schemes have now been refused by both the council and the government's planning inspectorate.

In the report, inspector Hilda Higenbottam said the “disparate and ill-considered” shape of the buildings would be out of step with the “detailing and attractive historic development” in the surrounding Conservation Area.

Mrs Higenbottam said both schemes had the potential to enhance their surroundings, but featured so much bad design that this would be outweighed by the elements that detracted from the local period character.

CRA member Malcolm Dowers said: “While the CRA are surprised that both schemes were rejected, we remain totally committed to working together with Telford Homes and the Wanstead Society regarding future schemes for this site.

“It is clear that an open, constructive dialogue will be needed before a successful scheme can be submitted, especially as the government inspectorate has raised the bar for the scale and standard of design required for new development in the Wanstead Grove Conservation Area [WGCA].

“Although this process has taken over three years so far, we remain undeterred in our intention to ensure that our residents receive an appropriate development on the Chepstow site.”

The report also criticised the council's failure to fulfil its obligations during the planning process.

The inspectorate found that Redbridge Council failed to ask the public what they thought of a report into the architectural and historical interest of the WGCA.

Redbridge's report also included some confusion about exactly which areas were included in the Conservation Area.

Developer Telford Homes has reiterated its determination to come up with a design that will meet the approval of all parties.

The company's managing director Mark Parker said: “Following the issuing of the Secretary of State’s Planning Inspectors decision notice, we are disappointed not to have received planning permission at Leicester Road, Wanstead.

“Working to obtain an appropriate planning permission for this site has been a long process and we are committed to providing an amenable and attractive solution for the area.

“Telford Homes will continues to consult with Redbridge Council and local residents on future plans to agree a suitable scheme.

“We look forward to providing much needed additional new high-quality housing in Wanstead.”

A spokeswoman for Redbridge Council said: “The council is pleased with the outcome of the Chepstow appeal. The applications were refused by the council because of the design and height of the proposed blocks B and C.

“These were considered to be out of keeping with the Wanstead Conservation Area and harmful to the character of the locally-listed arts and crafts cottages on Nutter Lane. “Any future planning application for the re-development of the Chepstow site would need to consider the detailed comments made by planning inspector in the appeal decision notice.”