PLANS to build a police custody suite and 30 homes in Leyton were branded 'a missed opportunity' by a councillor.

Waltham Forest Council's planning committee has already agreed outline planning permission for 30 cells on derelict land between Hainault Road and Leyton High Road.

Current plans are for the roads to be fronted by around 30 homes, with the custody suite situated behind.

But Liberal Democrat Cllr Bob Sullivan expressed his displeasure at the proposals during a public meeting organised by the police on Wednesday (March 5).

He said: "I wouldn't mind if there are more Safer Neighbourhood bases near Hainault Road. It borders quite a few wards.

"But the police have missed an opportunity. The police have owned the land where the custody suite is to be built for the last 15 years and they should be building something in Leyton High Road where the public can seen them rather than tucking a custody suite away in a back street."

Resident Sherie Athow, of Hainault Road, Leyton, said: "I would rather have 35 police cars than 700 cars zooming up and down.

"If the homes attract families of three and four people that may mean each house could have two or three cars."

Borough Commander Mark Benbow has said there is a critical need for new cells in the borough.

He confirmed both Leyton and Walthamstow police stations will close, but added that no police building in the borough would shut until appropriate alternatives are lined up.

"This is about better facilities equalling better services. We are trying to get away from this sellotape mentality," he said.

The Metropolitan Police has published its Asset Management Plan for Waltham Forest and a three-month consultation is now under way.

Other proposals include splitting the front counters so that reception, enforcement and victim-support services take place independently and opening extra safer neighbourhood team bases in the borough.

To have your say call Kate Southern on 8345 3045 or email her at kate.southern@met.police.uk To view the plans visit www.met.police.uk/walthamforest