CHINGFORD: Controversial flats plan approved (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

CHINGFORD: Controversial flats plan approved

11:01pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Waltham Forest News By Sarah May Hayes

members of the WHRA before last nights' meeting

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build flats near homes has been approved despite objections from neighbours.

London & Quadrant (L&Q) was given permission to create 54 flats in four-storey blocks and seven houses on the site of the former Walton House care home in Chingford mount Road, Chingford, by Waltham Forest Council’s planning committee on Tuesday (February 7).

The Walton House Resident’s Association (WHRA) was formed to fight the plans and have campaigned for changes to the design and density of the development.

It claims the plan would compromise security and privacy for nearby homes and was out of keeping with the area.

The planning committee approved the plan by four votes to three. Members voted along party lines, with Labour’s majority proving decisive.

Tory councillor Jemma Hemstead, who spoke in support of WHRA at the meeting, said: “These flats do not match the town character.

“L&Q should work with the residents instead of fighting against them. There are no other buildings in that area that are four-storeys. It’s just unsuitable.”

However, Labour committee chairman Cllr Peter Barnett said the development would have a positive impact. He said: “I think this is a good development, with a very good report from the planning officers. There is no reason that this can’t be a good thing for the area.”

Nannette Higgins, WHRA co-chairwoman, reacted angrily to the decision and strongly disagreed with Cllr Barnett’s assessment.

She said: “I pay £1500 council tax, and the value of my house is about to drop by £100,000.

“These flats are just unsuitable and not in keeping with the area. We will now look to appeal because this is really going to affect the lives of the people in the area.”

Jamie Dalton, L&Q land manager, said: “We have compromised with WHRA and provided privacy with higher fencing.

"We have listened to the concerns expressed by neighbours and we are confident that this will not affect them badly, and will in fact enhance the community as a whole.”