Plans to convert a single home into nine apartments could still be realised despite a large petition and the strong objections of town councillors.

On Wednesday Epping Forest District Council's area planning sub-committee east passed a home conversion proposal to the management committee following a deadlocked 7-7 vote.

If approved, the plans would see 1 Buttercross Lane demolished and a three storey, nine apartment building covering twice its footprint constructed in its place.

As well as the removal of all trees on the site, the build would include nine parking spaces on a conversation area road one car wide.

When the plans came before Epping Town Council they were unanimously and 'strongly' rejected, with 196 users and residents of the lane signing a petition against the plans.

Buttercross Lane resident Ken Faulkner, who noted that the plans fall short of the council's heritage requirements, said: "We elect our councillors with the high expectation that they will represent us on the council by listening to their residents legitimate views.

"Despite the fact that only supporters of this proposal were the developers and officers keen to meet their government imposed housing numbers, seven councillors ignored their residents strong and valid objections."

Cllr Nigel Avey, mayor of Epping, said the council could not dismiss the weight of resident's objections and argued the build was an overdevelopment.

Cllr John Philip, who had been to visit the site, disagreed.

He said: "I think on balance giving what we're being driven to do in terms of intensification of built up areas this actually is a good use of this site.

"I can't see any good planning reasons to refuse it."

The plans will now be considered by the district council's 17 councillor strong management committee.