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PLANS to build 24 flats on the site of Jennikings Garden Centre, in Manor Road, Chigwell, are being opposed by the parish council.

Councillors voiced concern that the development would infringe on the green belt.

Councillor John Knapman told the planning committee: "The problem I have is that this is a green belt site albeit there's a brown field element. There's no offer of specialist circumstances. There's no affordable element to this. The issue is is this the proper place to build this development? Are we saying you can just build flats in green belt?"

Councillor Brian Sandler thought the application had some merit.

He said: "This is a luxury set of flats which will make Manor Road attractive. We keep being told by developers of a desperate need for flats in the area. We are taking away an unattractive site and putting up flats that would keep with the area. It would be better than building individual homes there."

But councillor Lesley Wagland said: "It seems to me we're talking about a green belt site. We would struggle with any specialist circumstances for luxury flats. This is a perfect site for affordable housing."

8:17am Friday 14th December 2007

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