A Planning Inspectorate hearing for a high street shopping arcade in a conservation area was abandoned today (August 18) after it emerged planning procedure was not properly followed.

A decision on the proposal by Ilford-based Mammoth Texryte Ltd for the development of the former Joliffe’s Builders office site, in High Street, Wanstead, was this morning delayed at Redbridge town hall in Ilford.

This is because two week’s written notice that the meeting was taking place was not given to residents living next to the site.

The plan 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.

It was rejected by Redbridge council last year when the proposal was considered to be out of keeping with the character of the area and a subsequent appeal to the planning inspector was also rejected.

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

The company claims it will be a "cultural hub" with the shops and offices creating 40 new jobs.

But campaigners claim 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.

The Planning Inspectorate meeting will now be rescheduled to allow letters to be posted to give two weeks notice that it will be taking place.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The plan for the site in High Street, Wanstead.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Another view of the proposal.