PLANS to knock down an electricity sub-station and replace it with a block of 11 flats have sparked anger among residents.

Thirteen neighbours of the former London Underground site in Station Way, Buckhurst Hill, have written to the district council to complain that the proposed development – which will be three-and-a-half storeys – would tower over their homes and force locals to compete for parking spaces.

Developers Green Place Capital Ltd have promised 13 new parking spaces on the site, but the council’s guidelines suggest there should be 26.

The streets, which are close to Roding Valley Station, are already popular with commuters but, despite their own guidelines, council officers have recommended that the flats are given the go-ahead.

Malcolm Godwin, 66, of Station Way, said: “At the minute there are no restrictions down here and commuters park on either side of the road.

“They have not provided enough parking space in these flats and you would have even more vehicles along here.

“I think it could cause accidents with cars being forced to park close to corners, and would be very dangerous.”

Jane Sandall, 57, also of Station Way, added: “A few years ago when they extended Zone Four to include Roding Valley there was a big increase in the number of commuters parking for free along Station Way.

“This means that people cannot park to get to the shops which damages their trade. The flats will only exacerbate our parking problems.”

Susan Meredith, 52, of Walnut Way, said: “A four- storey block going up behind this house would totally obscure our light. It would overshadow the back garden.”

A decision on the application (EPF/2652/10) is due to be made on Wednesday, April 20.

For the result go to guardian-series.co.uk