The use of a two million pound pub as a jumble yard is under investigation, Waltham Forest council has said.
The entire ground floor of The Royston Arms, in Chingford Mount Road, has been operating as a retail unit since the beginning of this year, selling various household items including sofas, chairs, radios, washing machines and DVDs.
Previously owned by Stonegate Ltd, the pub was sold on to developer estate agent Kingsbury for £1.1million after it closed in September.
It was then reportedly sold on for more than £2million after the Chingford Islamic Society's told the Guardian it was outbid with its £2.2m offer.
An application to use the pub for retail purposes last month revealed the company behind the jumble sale, ThisnThatLtd, paid landowner New York Developments Limited £12,000 in December to lease the pub for a year.
New York Developments Limited, applied last month for a certificate of lawful development to use the pub for retail purposes but no decision has been made.
A council spokeswoman, said: "The Council is aware of the situation and it is being investigated by our planning enforcement team.
"An application for a permitted change of use of the premises from pub to retail is also being considered by planning officers.
"Both the investigation and application are ongoing and no decisions have yet been made."
Everything from DVDs, ironing boards, lamp shades, sofas and fish tanks is up for sale
Volunteer Ozzy Chaudary told the Guardian last week it was welcomed by the community and a bargain shop was better than it sitting empty.
Resident Janet Blythe of Cranston Gardens, Chingford, claims neighbours are "horrified" by the pub's new look.
The 63-year-old, said: "Something is not right and I do question whether what is going on is legal.
"This is not a jumble yard - it is a tip. They are making this part of Chingford look like a ghetto area.
"It is a crying shame this beautiful building has been turned into this. The community genuinely don't want this and people are horrified."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel