RESIDENTS of Bower Hill, Epping, descended on a town council meeting to complain about proposals for two three-storey houses on their doorstep.

Worried neighbours say the plans for 64A Bower Hill are totally inappropriate for the area and the site access would create a major safety hazard.

The plans would see an existing house demolished to make way for two semi-detached, five-bedroomed homes.

At last week's town council meeting, concerned resident John Fuller asked councillors to support their objections.

He said the majority of homes in Bower Hill were set back 25ft from the road with open vistas.

"These are going to be built two feet from the pavement with no grass verge. The buildings will be completely out of keeping with the area."

The residents are also concerned that road and pedestrian safety will be compromised as they say the proposed entrances to the homes have restricted visibility of Bower Hill and the pavement.

In a supporting letter to the town council, Mr Fuller said Bower Hill was a fast road with frequent traffic accidents and the proposed homes would only add to the problems. He also said two five-bedroomed homes would exacerbate existing parking problems in the area.

The letter stated: "We would like to see the properties moved back to at least 3.8 metres from the footpath, preferably more. We believe this would give improved visibility for drivers egressing from the properties. This moving of the development further back onto the site would reduce some of the loss of the open vista of Bower Hill."

Councillors echoed the concerns and objections on numerous grounds including road and pedestrian safety issues and the detrimental effect on neighbouring properties and the street scene.

Councillor Alan Smith said: "It's inappropriate to the site and in the context of Bower Hill."

Mayor Sue Perry added: "It is over-development of the site and I have grave concerns regarding the visibility (for drivers) coming out of the site."

Planning and environment committee chairman Olive Dunseath said: "It would be the loss of another small dwelling, which are becoming a very rare property in the town. I feel this is an over-bearing construction and would mean the loss of light and privacy and would be very detrimental to the area."

The objections will go to Epping Forest Council, which will make the final decision.