Plans to demolish a house and build apartments on the site have been opposed.

Applicant David Shaw from Loughton submitted his proposal to build six two-bedroom apartments in Buttercross Lane, off Epping High Street on Monday, February 25.

Neighbours told Epping Town Council’s planning and general purposes committee that the development was twice the footprint of the existing house and, with would set a precedent.

Epping Forest Council published their reason for the refused planning proposal, saying: “The proposed building would, by reason of its excessive height, bulk and massing, harm the appearance of Buttercross Lane and be unduly overbearing in relation to the adjacent house at no.3 Buttercross Lane, as well as fail to conserve or enhance the character of this part of this conservation area.”

A 200-name petition opposing the apartments was signed by residents who believed that no thought had been given to the heritage of Epping.

Deputy mayor Michael Wright told the meeting: "The biggest problem is access. It's just dangerous. You can't get two cars side by side. I think the access is important as far as danger is concerned, I couldn't possibly go along with it."

Councillor Barbara Scruton highlighted access issues, with the only vehicle access to Buttercross Lane being across the High Street pavement.

She said: "On a Monday we have the market. To put more flats, which would create more cars... I am against. I can't see why they have put in another application."

She added: "For a developer to keep coming back with the same proposal... they haven't really addressed any of the issues."

Committee chairman Nigel Avey said: "I can see absolutely no improvement (in the plans). I think this is marginally worse."

The town council's objections state that the apartments would also "decimate" the street scene and result in a vast increase in traffic on a narrow lane.