A decision is due this week on a revised plan for a high street shopping arcade in a conservation area, which was previously rejected by the council.

A proposal by Ilford-based Mammoth Texryte Ltd for the development of the Joliffe’s Builders office site, in High Street, Wanstead, includes the demolition of the existing building to create a four-storey block with flats, retail units and office space.

A second building would be erected at the rear, with further office provision and new homes.

None of the 13 proposed flats would be classified as affordable.

The proposal was first rejected by Redbridge council last year, when the proposal was considered to be out of keeping with the character of the area.

A subsequent appeal to the planning inspector was also rejected, but the developer was told there would be a review of the plans were amended.

Mammoth Texryte has reduced the frontage of the development, scaled down the residential element, reconfigured the building at the rear and revised servicing access.

The company claims the shops and offices would create 40 new jobs, while creating a "cultural hub".

“The proposed building will help contribute to the quality of Wanstead Village and will have exceptionally low impact on the environment with sustainable design,” it added.

Scott Wilding, of the Wanstead Society, has criticised plans saying the building is too tall, has no provision for parking and the frontage of yellow stock brickwork and copper cladding would not fit in with the high street scene.

He said: "The plans are in no way sympathetic. 

“They show the site over-developed and with a boxy, high rise design that would stick out in our Conservation Area.

“If this were to go ahead as planned we would all be stuck with a poor quality design for potentially over 50 years.”

Representations can be made to the Planning Inspectorate by this Wednesday (July 1).

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Plans for the shopping arcade have been submitted

The site of the proposed development.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The proposed plans for the new "cultural hub".

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Plans for the huge development for High Street, Wanstead.