A THIRD application to build 24 new homes on the site of an historic house has been opposed by the borough's conservation advisory panel.

The influential body objected to the revised scheme for the Chepstow estate in Wanstead, on the basis that it was seen as an 'overdevelopment' and because the design of the buildings were not in keeping with the rest of the Wanstead Grove Conservation Area.

The body can only make recommendations for the council's consideration - but its views hold significant weight when decisions are finally made on planning applications within the borough's conservation areas.

Its views have been welcomed by members of the Counties Estate Residents Association (CRA) who oppose the proposal in its current form - but who now hope to get a green light from council officers for an amended version which they have been working on behind the scenes with developers Telford Homes.

Malcolm Dowers, of Leicester Road, helped develop the amended designs suggested to Telford for the houses - which the group feel would make the scheme far more sympathetic to the look of the area.

He said: "We have been talking to Telford about what changes we feel would need to be made to make the plan more acceptable.

"This has involved Telford sending us the design for one of the houses and me copying and pasting suggested amendments onto that design.

"The amendments to the design we suggested have been small but significant, things like roof design and general layout.

"Telford have said they are broadly prepared to incorporate these amendments but want to get a green light from the council planning department on this before submitting any supplementary designs for consideration."

The third application is now due to be considered by Regulatory Committee - possibly at its December 16 meeting - where the Conservation Advisory Panel's views will be taken into account.

Mr Dowers said the CRA would continue to oppose the scheme if it remains unaltered, but would - in principle - be prepared to back an amended plan with certain provisions.

He said: "If the application goes to Regulatory Committee in December as it is we will oppose it.

"However, if the council does give a green light to an amended application - as we and Telford have broadly agreed to - then it would have to go past the CAP again and then possibly be heard by the Regulatory Committee at its January meeting instead.

"If this is the case then we would be prepared to support the scheme, but with the provision that we are consulted over other aspects such as detailing like window design and brickwork."

David Durant, Design & Planning Director at Telford Homes said: "Telford Homes has met with the Counties Residents Association and has discussed a scheme that would be acceptable to them.

"Telford Homes has asked the planning officers for their views on the alternatives discussed with the CRA and await the council's formal response as to whether these changes will also receive planning officers' support."