A former Inland Revenue building currently being converted to housing is the subject of further planning application to add a mansard roof and five extra flats to the block.

Developer Havenridge Britannia Ltd was granted permission in September last year to develop Charteris House, next to Woodford Tube station, in Woodford Green, from offices to homes. 

Work on converting the block to 21 dwellings including six studio apartments and 15 one-bedroom flats started in November last year. 

Now Havenridge Britannia has submitted a further planning application to build a mansard roof on the block to accommodate a further four one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat.

The current three-storey flat-roofed 1950s building, described by residents as an "eyesore", has stood empty since 2006. 

Havenridge Britannia was granted permission back in 2010 to redevelop the site, which sits within the Woodford Broadway Conservation Area, to shops, offices and nine flats.

In the fresh application, Havenridge Britannia said the plan for a mansard roof would improve the appearance of the building.

It said: “The existing building has a negative contribution to the conservation area.

“The proposed alterations to the building would enhance the appearance of the building and given its prominence from public vantage points, the character and appearance of the conservation area as a whole would be enhanced.

"The scale of the existing office building would be altered by the addition of a mansard roof. 

"The building would not appear overly tall compared to buildings in the vicinity, particularly the nearby block of flats to the west of the site."

The public has until May 29 to comment on the application.