A scrap of wasteland plagued by fly-tipping and drug-taking could become the site for a new block of flats if plans are approved.

Property developer Andrew Clark wants permission to build eight new flats on Sutton Lane in Colnbrook, on the corner of a service road. Early plans suggest the vacant land is neglected – attracting crime and anti-social behaviour.

A statement submitted to Slough Borough Council with the application says: “The lot is laid to lawns and is fronted by a hawthorn hedge in excess of 100 years old, which is deteriorated with large parts dead or dying. The healthy parts are right on the property line and the prickly limbs encroach on the footpath.

“With limited visibility from main roads the vacant lot has seen increasing incidents of refuse dumping, and being used for drug activity at night.”

The statement says the development would ‘open up this area making this activity less likely and generally improve the are’. It also says the removal of the hedge would make using the footpath better for neighbours.

Plans say the building would be two-storeys tall, with a similar height to the semi-detached houses next door. There would also be seven parking spaces.

A public consultation on the plans is set to end on October 15.