PROPOSALS to build 60 homes on Highams Park Station car park have been put on hold after the developer withdrew its application.

Under the proposals, put forward by a housing association and the NHS Waltham Forest the borough's Primary Care Trust, the development would have included almost 60 affordable homes.

However under planning rules the developer can resubit its application.

Malcolm Shykles, 68, a senior science technician at Highams Park School, of Coolgardie Avenue,welcomed the news with caution.

Mr Shykles, a senior science technician at Highams Park School, said: "The council has lost at least £100,000 through increasing the car parking charges.It used to be £2 per day but the council increased it to £5 per day."

Residents discovered a 700 year-old hedgerow and protected species of stag beetles and birds using the woodland around the station.

The car park used to be regularly used by commuters until the council increased the charges by 150 per cent two years ago but now is usually empty.

Sandeep Christian, a Hale End and Highams Park Conservative Party activist, said: "I welcome this decision. This is a victory for local residents.

"What we have is a council cracking down on motorists parking in Highams Park Station car park but it would be happy for motorists to park in a massive car park opposite if plans for a Tesco store are approved."