CONTROVERSIAL plans for block of flats overlooking a nature reserve have been given the go-ahead, despite widespread opposition.
Council officers recommended the approval of an application from Sherrygreen Homes and A2 Dominion to build 124 flats in four blocks up to seven storeys high on Essex Wharf, off Lea Bridge Road in Leyton.
A total of 13 objections to the proposal were made, with many complaining that it was inappropriate for the location, close to the Lee Navigation canal and Walthamstow Marshes nature reserve.
More than 50 opponents, including members of New Lammas Land Defence Committee (NLLDC) and Waltham Forest Civic Society, packed the public gallery during the decisive planning commitee meeting on Tuesday night.
A number of people spoke in opposition to the plans. Steve Wilkinson from the Lea Valley Regional Park Authority said the development was unacceptable for such a prominent position in the ‘unique’ area.
Joe Ward, NLLDC co-chair, said: “The views from the site are stunning. The true height of the buildings should be tree height. The development is not appropriate here.”
Committee member, Conservative councillor Alan Siggers, said: “It’s too big and too full. I’m not very comfortable with this in terms of design and use.”
But recommending approval, Labour councillor Jenny Gray said: “After my visits to the area I have come to the conclusion that the current scheme is sufficiently different in terms of design terms and spaces between the blocks and in keeping with other houses there already.”
All four Labour committee members, which also included Asim Mahmood and Ebony Vincent, voted in favour of the application. All three non-Labour members voted against.
Following the meeting Eamon O’Malley, from Sherrygreen Homes, said: “We have put a lot of work into this to meet the needs of local residents. It will improve the area and provide high quality living accommodation.”
The Lea Valley Park Authority can ask the Secretary of State to review the decision.
An appeal against a previous decision to reject a larger development on the site is still pending.
Sherrygreen Homes says the future of the appeal depends on the outcome of the current application.
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