THE COUNCIL has hit back at claims that it provided too little evidence to back its rejection of a controversial housing scheme.

A plan to replace a row of four empty shops in Station Parade, opposite Snaresbrook Tube station, with a three storey block containing five flats and a ground floor restaurant was turned down by the authority in February last year on the grounds that it would have an "unacceptable impact" on local residents and Snaresbrook Conservation Area.

But the decision has since been overruled by the national Planning Inspectorate - much to the anger of local residents and traders - which said the scheme would have a limited impact on people living nearby and that the council had failed to explain "the adverse effect that it alleges the proposal would have" on the conservation area.

The council has responded by claiming it gave detailed information to the Inspectorate about its reasons for rejecting the development, and that it stands by its decision.

A council spokeswoman said: "The council provided detailed information to the Planning Inspectorate about our Snaresbrook Conservation Area Enhancement Scheme and our reasons for rejecting the proposed development.

"The Planning Inspectorate did not request any further information from us.

"While we stand by our original decision, the Planning Inspectorate is an independent body and we accept its rulings."