A housing trust has been told its plans for a reduced rent bungalow have reached the next stage of the process.

Officials at Epping Forest District Council said the Theydon Trust, which provides housing for people in need, should not be allowed to build the home in the back garden of a house in Margaret Road, Epping, as it would look out of place and make the street crowded.

At last night’s council planning meeting, councillors voted not to accept the planners’ recommendation to refuse permission for the home.

It will be heard at a future council meeting with more powers.

Michael Chapman, a trustee of the housing charity, said: “It’s a relief and we’re onto the next stage, which is the important thing.”