COUNCILLORS rejected plans for the development of a derelict plot in a conservation area, much to the surprise of a residents' group which had fully supported the amended design.

Members of Redbridge Council's Regulatory Committee last night refused the latest plans to build on the former site of the Chepstow building in Leicester Road, Wanstead, which members of the Counties Residents Association (CRA) had agreed to support after previous unsatisfactory schemes.

Developer Telford Homes had been in dialogue with members of the CRA to come up with a design that it would suit all parties, in the hope that the council would approve it and residents could move on with their lives.

CRA chair Helen Zannett said: “We're obviously disappointed, but it's not a disaster, and we go on.

“All is not lost, because the councillors agreed that this latest scheme was a vast improvement on the last. One of the councillors said it just needs a bit more of a push.

“The situation is that the third application amendment has been rejected but the appeal on the second application is still progressing and a few months away.

“It was nice to have our voices heard, and it was worthwhile because the committee did say it was so much better: Gloucester Road was fine and they approved the design of the flats on Nutter Lane, but they just didn't like the bulk.

“We're having a hard think about where we go from here and what we're going to do next. We need to take rest and consider all options.”

Roding ward councillor Felicity Banks said she was not prepared to comment until the full deciison had been published.