Buckhurst Hill flats blocked

PLANS for two "overbearing" and "out-of-keeping" blocks of flats in Buckhurst Hill have been refused planning permission following a string of objections from neighbours.

Applicant David Lane Homes Ltd proposed to redevelop the site at 46 and 48 Albert Road with two contemporary-style three-storey blocks providing 11 flats.

A spokesman said much care had been taken in consultation with planning officers to come up with a "sympathetic design that bears in mind today's modern standards but is still in keeping with the street scene".

But Alfred Road residents, whose homes back on to the site, protested, claiming the "very modern" blocks would tower over their properties, wrecking the Victorian character of the street, depriving them of privacy and blocking sunlight.

Councillors decided the presence of the equally tall and modern new Atrium development in Albert Road, was not justification for granting this block.

Councillor Gavin Stollar told the area plans committee: "The height of the buildings would be overbearing on the street scene. Flats are not out of the question in the area but these flats demonstrate over development on grounds of sheer size and would block in the area.

"To use justification of previous developments to proliferate new ones doesn't wash with me. Granting one block of flats doesn't mean we want them springing up on every street corner."