Plans to demolish a bungalow to make way for a block of six flats have been approved.

The scheme will see the removal of a bungalow on the junction of Princes Road and Queens Road in Buckhurst Hill to make way for a three-storey development.

This will include six one-bedroom flats, two commercial units on the ground floor, a refuse area, bike storage and a private amenity area.

Epping Forest District planning committee voted to defer the planning application to the district development management committee in September.

One of the main issues surrounding the application was the size of the development and how it would impact on residents in Princes Road, particularly those living in the bungalows next to the site.

Planning officer Andrew Marx told the meeting last Wednesday (November 11) that there had been a number of objection to the plans and that after the first meetings neighbours had been consulted over the loss of privacy from the windows and balconies as well as issues over the parking.

In light of the concerns, he reassured councillors that there is a condition within the permission that means privacy glass and screens for the balconies must be installed.

In terms of the parking the development is considered car-free due to the access to the town centre and transport links.

There are parking restrictions in the area, but Mr Marx said there is a condition that means prospective tenants will also not be able to apply for parking permits unless they are blue badge holders.

Speaking in favour of the application, Aaron Breedon said: "The application sees to bring forth new commercial units bringing additional employment to the town centres.

"The design of the building has been influenced by the brick work in the local areas.

"Neighbouring amenity has been fully considered and privacy has been improved by removing a large overlooking terrace and replaced with balconies with privacy screens."

Many committee members supported the plans, saying the design was "sympathetic" and complimented the area.

But Cllr Aniket Patel, one of the councillors to not support the scheme, said he felt the development was "harsh" on the street and made bungalows next to the site "exaggerated".

Cllr Patel added: "I appreciate this is the only corner of the street that hasn't been developed and that it is on a cross section however the other three corners wrap around the relevant streets such as Waitrose.

"The elevation that will facing the bungalows is very harsh as well, I would like to seen an extension of this develop up the Princes Road so that it incorporates bungalows as part of its development."

Members voted - 12 in favour , two against and one abstention - to grant permission.