Neighbours will find out next week if a developer is to be granted permission to build a road through a green to provide access for new homes in the grounds of a historic manor house.
Plans were submitted 10 months ago by Atlantic Property Management to convert grade II-listed Friday Hill House, in Simmons Lane, Chingford, into ten flats.
The extensive project offering no affordable housing also involves turning a former stable block into a two-bedroom flat and a brew house into a one-bedroom flat.
Neighbours spoke out against the plans after seeing drawings from architects See-Saw Studios which show Atlantic's intention to build a concrete road through a leafy green as a way of providing car access to a cul-de-sac of six semi-detached three-bedroom homes to the west of Friday Hill House.
Artist impression of the Simmons Lane road access to six new family homes
Many neighbours living by the green argue their children regularly play-out there with some saying they moved there for that purpose.
Designed by Lewis Vulliamy in 1839, it served as the manor house of the Heathcote family until 1915 after replacing a medieval Jacobean dwelling dating back to 1608.
It was last used as an adult learning centre by Waltham Forest council and was sold on in 2013.
Under the proposal, the ‘Mathison Room’ on the ground floor of the house will be used as a community centre and function room, but exact details as to its use are unknown, the council has said.
The council has received 18 objections from residents, including from Hatch Lane ward councillor Marion Fitzgerald.
Residents have objected on the grounds of losing street side greenery for a new road, the removal of part of the boundary wall, road safety concerns due to increased traffic, loss of parking and concerns over loss of historical features to the heritage site.
The proposal makes provision for 19 off-street car parking spaces.
A decision will be made by the planning committee on July 7 at the town hall in Forest Road, Walthamstow.
Artist impression of the front of Friday Hill House from Pimp Hall Park entrance in Simmons Lane
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