Controversial plans to demolish a listed church and replace it with 14 new homes could go ahead next week despite significant opposition.

Under plans submitted to Epping Forest District Council, St Elisabeth’s Church in Buckhurst Hill could be demolished and replaced with a block of seven “contemporary” flats and seven new houses.

The development has so far been recommended for approval by council officers, but objectors have claimed it would be the loss of an “attractive” listed building that should be retained for the community.

Although the 1938 church in Chestnut Avenue has been left unused for the last five years, the plans – submitted by the Parochial Church Council – have met with opposition from members of the public and Buckhurst Hill Parish Council.

A total of 28 neighbours to the site have objected to plans, saying the new buildings would be too tall and out of character with the area.

Others living opposite the proposed development have also claimed the new homes will overlook their own rooms and gardens.

At a previous planning meeting, parish council chairman Aniket Patel said: “The council does not object to development of [St Elisabeth's] in principle as the church has not been used for a number of years.

“However we would like the developer to consider a more sympathetic scheme that complements and enhances the relative street scenes of Chestnut Avenue and Hornbeam Road and we have concerns over the impact of the development on local infrastructure.”

Despite the issues raised, district council officers have supported the plans.

A planning officer for the district council said: “Although it is an interesting building it is not of any great architectural significance.

“To convert and extend the building would not be a viable or practical proposition.

“The proposed development will provide a much needed mix of flats and houses, and a new community hall will partly compensate for the loss of this community building.

“The scale and form of the new houses and flats are consistent with their surroundings, and the contemporary aspects of the design are considered to be acceptable.”

Councillors will vote on the proposals at a public planning meeting in Roding Valley High School next Wednesday (June 3) at 7.30pm.