A HARD-WON deal on a controversial development could be scuppered by council planners, after peace broke out between the builder and residents over the final design.

Members of the Counties' Residents Association (CRA) have thrown their support behind a revised plan by Telford Homes to build six houses and 18 flats on the former site of the Chepstow building in Leicester Road, Wanstead.

CRA member Malcolm Dowers said he was perplexed why planning officers insist the council should reject the mutually-agreed scheme – especially after previous applications had been recommended despite not meeting residents' approval.

Mr Dowers said: “We've always had this line in the sand about how the scheme should look and Telford, to their credit, have come up with a design that we feel is in keeping with the area, which is why we're supporting it.

“As far as I know discussions like this between developers and residents is virtually unheard of.

“At first when Telford Homes said they would listen to our concerns, we thought they were just paying lip service to it as a public relations exercise, but in the end they actually did change their plans.”

The CRA has submitted a letter to the council assuring them that the latest design has the blessing of local people, and will attend the meeting to make their case.

Mr Dowers added: “We will be hoping that once again that the councillors will disregard the wishes of the planning officers and go along with the wishes of residents.

“We're just looking forward to the approval being given and moving on with our lives.”

Redbridge Council's regulatory committee will meet at Ilford Town Hall on Monday at 7.15pm.

Check next week's Wanstead and Woodford Guardian and the Guardian series website for the council's decision.