Town hall planners have backed the controversial demolition of a historic former stables to make way for housing, saying the building has "no particular architectural merit".
Redbridge council's planning committee will consider the application for the I&K Garage site in Church Path, Wanstead, on Thursday.
The owner of the garage, listed only as Mr Brown, is seeking permission to build three four-bedroom homes on the site, which is within a conservation area.
Historian Richard Arnopp, secretary of community group Friends of Wanstead Park, said the building was once used for the hire of horses and carriages in the 19th century and the façade should be preserved as an important part of the character of the area.
I&K Brown Garage with its Victorian facade.
A total of 22 people have objected to the proposal.
But a council report confirmed council officers' backing for the plan.
It said: "There is no particular architectural merit to the existing garage building on Church Path, but local residents’ express great sentiment for this building.
"Nonetheless, this, and the other buildings on the site, is unlisted, although located in a conservation area.
"The option of retaining the building and converting it into residential was explored, but proofed to be unviable as housing design standards could not have been met."
The garage is still open for business but the planning application states it is due to closed by the end of the year.
A decision will be made at a regulatory committee meeting starting at 7.15pm next Thursday (May 28) at Redbridge town hall in Ilford.
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