Recommended plans to demolish a squat and former community art space are set to be approved by the council.

The former 491 Gallery in Grove Green Road, near Leytonstone Tube station, had been occupied for years since its previous owners, Transport for London, left it derelict.

The gallery had regularly hosted exhibitions, film screenings, gigs, and life drawing and exercise classes, which people could attend for free before it was sold to ATM Development Ltd.

A proposal to demolish the gallery was withdrawn in July last year, but new plans were submitted in April to build nine residential units and a business or public use space on the site for a ‘peppercorn’ rent.

Objectors to the plans claim during the period of operation of the 491 Gallery, the site served as a vital community art space and was in significantly better condition when it was occupied.

The planning proposal submitted by the developers claims squatters that had occupied the site have vacated and the “unauthorised gallery use has also ceased.”

The plans that have been recommended for council approval will be discussed by the planning committee tonight (August 4), at the town hall.