The town council has objected to plans to develop an old industrial site ravaged in a fire.

A decade ago The Old Laundry site on Bower Hill, Epping was gutted in a blaze.

Ever since it has laid derelict and empty.

Now developer Troy Homes has asked Epping Forest District Council for planning permission to clear the site and build 62 homes with 63 parking spaces.

At a meeting on Tuesday evening Epping Town Council expressed opposition to the plan, with councillors raising concerns over the height of the apartment blocks.

Councillor Barbara Scruton said: "I just feel this development is over-development.

"The blocks are too high, they would overlook Bower Vale, it will create problems with parking, there are already problems in that area with parking."

Bower Hill resident Gerry Marshall, who lives opposite the existing entrance which would remain for the new development, expressed concern over traffic issues on Bower Hill regarding vehicle speed and the need for traffic calming measures.

He said Bower Hill was a "fast route" into and out of the town and said the stretch of road between Bower Terrace and Hillcrest Way should have a 20mph limit.

Planning and general purposes committee chairman Nigel Avey said: "I think it looks very cramped. It's been absolutely maximised.

"It's futuristic. It looks cheap build. Maximise the number, Quality poor. I think we could have expected more for this prime site."

Councillor Tony Church said: "I think it's out of keeping with the area."

Six out of the seven committee members voted to object to the application - with includes six three-bedroom houses with total parking for 63 vehicles - with one abstention.

However, the final decision will be made by Epping Forest District Council.