Plans to convert part of a 1930s sewing factory into bedsits are being contested by residents over fears it will lead to low-quality high density housing. 

Numerous attempts have been made since 2003 to convert the two-storey warehouse in Oakfield Road, Walthamstow, into flats, but the applications have all been either refused of withdrawn, with the exception of one. 

Landview Management Ltd was given permission in 2008 to demolish part of the factory and convert it into 10 flats consisting of two one bedroom flats, seven two-bedroom flats and one three-bedroom flat.

It would have featured an underground car park and cycle racks but it has since expired.

Now, the same company has applied to convert 150sqm on the first floor into five 25sqm studio flats by changing the use from A1 (shops) to C3 (dwelling). 

Up until mid-January, the factory section in question was occupied by companies MacFixCentre and www.wefixmac.com, both businesses specialise in the hire, sale and repair of Apple devices.

But Higham Hill residents are angry they have not been consulted on any plans and are now calling on the council to reject the change of use by setting up a Change.org petition.  

Oakfield Road resident Carol Hill, said: "We need more housing, yes, and we'd like to see the warehouse converted into housing. 

"But we'd like to see family housing not a bunch of studio flats.

"Numerous applications to convert it into flats before were refused due to overcrowding, lack of provision for outdoor space, parking, refuse, cycling storage, and loss of amenities.  

"He (applicant) is trying to say the warehouse is a shop - it is not. 

"We believe his intentions are not to stop at five bedsits but to then carry on cramming as many tiny flats in as possible.

"Our street could not accommodate that many people without negatively impacting the people on our road."

The petition to David Scourfield, the council's assistant director of planning, states: "While we recognise the need for housing and would like to see the factory contribute to the local housing stock we ascertain that the housing needs to be of high quality to promote sustainable living; 25 sqm bedsits are not that.

"Therefore we urge you to reject the application and inform the factory owner that if he consults with the local community to build sustainable accommodation they would support his development plans."

A decision is expected on or before September 9.