A housing developer is to announce a date to start building a 294-home development on the former Walthamstow Stadium within weeks, it said.

London & Quadrant (L&Q) won planning permission last year for its housing estate proposals at the site in Chingford Road, Walthamstow, after a long-fought battle against groups comprised of residents who feared overdevelopment and others who wanted a return to dog racing.

But the stadium has lain quiet ever since Mayor of London Boris Johnson decided not to intervene in the plans, until L&Q said they hope to announce a date to begin work shortly.

A spokesman said: “As is usual on a development of this size, there has been a preparatory phase before we start work on site, as we discharge the pre-commencement conditions that are a feature of such schemes. 

“We look forward to informing people of the date for the start of our works on site once this preparatory phase has been concluded, which we hope will be within the next few weeks.

“We will build 294 much-needed, high quality homes for people on a range of incomes. Our scheme will bring £50m worth of investment into the borough, including £3.8 million to improve local leisure, education, health and transport facilities.

"This will preserve the architectural heritage of this iconic and historic site for the whole community. Our plans will also create up to 250 jobs, including many apprenticeships and training opportunities for local people.”