A PLAN to demolish a derelict dairy and build 68 new homes has been welcomed by local people.

Property development giant, Taylor Wimpey, is in negotiations with Dairycrest to buy the site on Chigwell Road, South Woodford.

The company sent out a letter to nearby residents and businesses two weeks ago, explaining the plans and providing an artist’s impression of what the redeveloped site could look like.

The abandoned building was badly damaged by a fire last Monday (August 29), with police still investigating the cause of the blaze.

Travellers occupied the site last December, and some people living nearby say there have been other attempts to break in to the abandoned building since then.

Raj Vadher, 39, is a director at car tyre and wheel specialists, A&S Tyres and Wheels Ltd on Chigwell Road.

He said: “There are always people trying to get into the site, I’m not surprised there was a fire there.

“At the moment, it’s an ugly place.

“Building houses would be a big improvement, and bringing new families into the area would obviously benefit local businesses.”

Taylor Wimpey is planning to knock down the burnt out dairy and employ award winning architects RMA to design the new homes.

And 46-year-old lawyer Steve Hoskins who lives in nearby Granville Road, is impressed with the look of the proposed development.

He said: “At the moment it’s just a derelict building, so it would be nice to see the land used to house families.

“My only concern would be if Taylor Wimpey built some big tower block there.

“As long as they stick to their word and build something in keeping with the environment, I’m happy”

The news was also given the thumbs up by 42-year-old Carol Leo, who lives on the Old Mill Court Estate across the road from the dairy.

She said: “I’ve had a look at the letter, and I don’t mind at all.

“It will bring the area up to get rid of that old building, especially now it’s been burnt out.

“You can’t leave it as it is, so they might as well knock it down and do something useful with the place.”

Taylor Wimpey has not yet submitted a planning application, but councillors have been notified of the company’s plans.

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