A former laundry ravaged by fire could soon be replaced by houses.

A decade ago The Old Laundry site on Bower Hill, Epping was gutted in a blaze.

Ever since it has laid derelict and empty.

Now developer Troy Homes has asked Epping Forest District Council for planning permission to clear the site and build 62 homes with 63 parking spaces.

Adrian Bohr, director, said: “The buildings are in a very poor state – in fact, much is totally derelict and dangerous so one of our first tasks will be to make the site safer and more secure.

“Being just a short walk from Epping underground and so close to the town centre, we expect these properties will be popular with young professionals looking for a top quality home with easy commuting to London and many will take advantage of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme.”

The proposal consists of five distinct buildings blocks which would be an assortment of one and two bedroom residential apartments or three bedroom individual houses ranging from two to five stories in height.

The buildings to be removed are primarily industrial buildings, with two residential buildings facing onto Bower Hill also in line for demolition.

Mr Bohr added: “This former laundry has been an eyesore and danger for many years and we are looking forward to transforming it with our aesthetically designed, top quality, new homes."