Questions arise over Bridge Street build

The only access to the site is down a three-metre wide road, which will be used by heavy machinery, and traders are worried about obstruction when construction starts next year.

Sunil Bilakhai, owner of nearby health food shop, Bodywise, has a small piece of land at the end of the alley where he parks his car. He is worriedd about the works after he said vans blocked the path during the demolition.

Mr Bilakhai, who objected to the plans when they were first submitted to the council by Zed Homes in 2007, said: "My original objection was due to obstruction in every way possible. I can't see how are ambulances going to get up there, and as vehicles come out onto the pavement there is a blind spot - it's a health and safety risk to the general public."

Director of Kanbi and Sons, Mavji Kanbi, said: "We have got necessary consent from the council and we do not foresee any problems whatsoever when the work starts.

"It is a narrow access road, but we will not block the road while building work is going on. We will have all signs up to make people aware of heavy machinery movements."

Mr Bilakhai also raised concerns about where the residents of the flats will park as there are only two parking spaces proposed in the planning application, which are for drivers with blue badges.

However, there will be facilities for push-bikes and the applicant said it hopes fewer parking spaces 'will encourage sustainable living'.

Peter Gant, who works at the Post Office adjacent to the site, said: "As long as they keep it secure I don't think it will be a problem. The access has not been a problem as we have our own access road, but I don't know what will happen when they start building."

Bob Prieg, owner of Hilton and Family Butchers, on Bridge Street, added: "There will potentially be more customers here. I am hoping it will be a positive thing for Pinner.

"The only thing that really worries us is the access. It is not too much of a problem, but it is very narrow."

MVA Consultancy drew up a traffic appraisal of the area for the original application and concluded there were no transport constraints.

There will be 13 one-bedroom flats and 13 two-bedroom in the block, and it will become one of the highest buildings in Pinner.

Mr Kanbi said they are in discussions with housing trusts to sell the flats for use as social housing.

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