Shopping arcade plan would 'revitalise Wanstead high street' - Applicants fight back against criticism

The team behind the controversial plan for a shopping arcade have set out their hope that it will “revitalise Wanstead high street”.

A Planning Inspectorate hearing on the former site of Joliffe’s Builders in High Street, Wanstead, was delayed last month because two week’s written notice was not given to local residents, and it has been rearranged for next week.

Yesterday, the Guardian spoke to applicant Kim Satney and architect Marc Rawcliffe who both defended their plans.

Wanstead Society has been vocal in its criticism of the plan, which is in the Wanstead Village Conservation Area and includes the demolition of the existing building to create a four-storey block with flats, flexible retail units and office space.

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

The society claims the building is too tall, and the frontage of yellow stock brickwork and copper cladding would not fit in with the high street scene.

But architect Marc Rawcliffe, of Arc 7, said the upper floor penthouse would be set back from the street to make the structure appear the same height as neighbouring shops.

He said: “The roof height is the same as the building next door and the copper material we are using is highly expensive and of high quality.

“This is currently a gap site and it is a lacklustre building, just decaying and impacting negatively on the conservation area.”

The applicant, Kim Satney, said the complex would include two affordable housing units for local people.

“We want to revitalise Wanstead high street,” said the resident of the London suburb.

“Everyone goes to Westfield in Stratford now but this plan will give people a reason to come to Wanstead.

“We estimate this market will create 40 jobs and bring 1,000 people a week to the high street, benefiting other businesses here at the same time.

“It will create new opportunities in Wanstead for everyone with flexible office space for local start-up businesses.”

The Planning Inspectorate hearing will take place on Tuesday (September 8) at Redbridge town hall in Ilford with a decision set to be made later this month.

The proposed new build in High Street, Wanstead.

What the plans will look like if given the go-ahead this month.