A former care facility will be converted into a five-home development despite widespread objections.

Last night, despite opposition from councillors, neighbours and the Bushwood Residents’ Association, designs for Forest Lodge in Leytonstone were approved.

Developer Catriona Jones plans to turn the building into one three-bedroom home, one two-bedroom flat and three one-bedroom flats.

A two-storey side extension will be built and one parking space created.

Neighbours criticised the proposal, calling it an “overdevelopment” and citing parking, poor design and predicted loss of sunlight.

Councillor Clyde Loakes, deputy leader for the council, said the plan included “two homes too many”.

He added: “Leytonstone ward has the highest number of house conversions into flats than any other ward.

“It would be a missed opportunity to bring good quality family accommodation back into the borough."

He also said the committee report was “riddled with deficiencies”.

Forest Lodge opened as a care home in 1988 and closed in 2014.

Committee members Jenny Gray and Yemi Osho both voted against the plans, with chairman Cllr Stuart Emmerson casting the deciding yes vote.