A DECISION over a controversial proposal to create an access road has been deferred.

Hillingdon Council's central and south planning committee was unable to make a decision over the access, which would lead to a block of flats between Pole Hill Road and Sheridan Close in Hillingdon.

Last August, the committee granted permission for a planned two-storey block, including three two-bedroom flats and two one-bedroom flats with five parking spaces and a

cycle parking area.

But to access the not-yet-built flats, a boundary fence in Sheridan Close would have to be removed.

"This would conflict with a condition made in 1966 to protect the amenity space of the close.

Speaking at the meeting last Wednesday evening, petitioner Peter Murdoch, of Alpha Road, Hillingdon, told of residents' privacy being obliterated.

He said: "The cul-de-sac would no longer be a cul-de-sac. It would encourage more crime.

"For the five planned flats there will not be enough parking spaces if one or more families have more than

one car. What happens when they have visitors? Where will they park?"

Two 20-signature petitions and 35 objection letters were sent to the council.

Residents felt the proposal would create increased traffic, a loss of privacy and amenity space.

They also felt that garages along the proposed access road could be blocked by the flats' residents.

Councillor Janet Duncan (Labour) said: "In 1966 it was designated that this land was to be used exclusively. There were reasons as to why it should be continued to be fenced and I do not see why there's any good reason why we should depart from that. We are now being asked to go against this condition."

Councillors also raised questions over how planning permission was granted to build the flats without a decision over the access road being made.

Despite officers' recommendation to approve the proposal, the committee deferred their decision.

The committee felt clarification over the size of the opening and legal confirmation of residents' access to their garages needed to be made.