28-home estate in Woodford Green gets green light despite concerns about traffic and parking

Development Securities had their application for the estate in Roding Lane North, made up of of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses set in mews-style streets, approved by Redbridge Council last Thursday.

A petition with 53 signatures from 38 addresses was given to the council opposing the application for a number of reasons, including its visual impact compared to existing buildings and potential overspill as a result of the parking provision.

The estate, which will lie at the south-eastern fringe of Claybury Park on land which is currently home to a number of businesses including Woodford Self Storage, will have 47 car parking spaces.

In a submission to the council, John Connolly, of Roding Lane North, said: “The number of properties should be reduced as the road will not be able to manage with this extra traffic.”

Patricia Wood, of Vicarage Road, Woodford Green, wrote: “I feel that we will get extra traffic and traffic noise in what, at this present time, is a very peaceful area.”

The council planning report said the development was not expected to “significantly increase traffic to an unreasonable amount”.

A Development Securities spokesman said: “This new parking provision will avoid the need for people to park on Roding Lane North.

“There should actually be a reduction in traffic from the level brought about by the site’s current usage.”

Businesses on the land will have to relocate.

Woodford Self Storage, which houses containers used by about 40 businesses for storing stock and showing it to customers, said the chances of finding a similar location locally were “almost zero”.

The Development Securities spokesman said: “We have made it obligatory for the appointed contractor to employ local construction professionals and provide training and employment opportunities for local people.”

The application was approved subject to conditions including complying with a flood risk assessment.