PLANS to turn empty offices into flats in a controversial development were thrown out by councillors last night (Monday 18).

Higgins Homes applied for permission to turn a set of offices in the Roof Terrace building on Woodford Green High Road into seven one and two-bedroom homes.

The flats have lain empty ever since the opening building, which attracted objections from local residents before construction began.

Councillor Filly Maravala, who sits on the regulatory committee said that concerns raised about parking were not valid as there would be spaces available for residents which were originally allocated to the offices, the lack of amenity space in the area was not acceptable.

He said: “The council felt that there was not enough amenity space for the people if there would be an increased number of residents living in the building.”

During the planning process local businesspeople said they would look forward to more people living in the area as it could result in an increase in trade.

However some local residents raised questions about the need for more residential accommodation in South Woodford, given that significant numbers of flats in other developments, such as Queen Mary Gate, remain unsold.