THE current plans for the development of Walthamstow Stadium should be refused, according to English Heritage.

The body, which promotes and protects historic monuments and landmarks, said London & Quadrant’s proposal would have a negative impact on listed aspects of the site.

In a letter to Waltham Forest Council’s planning department, English Heritage advises that the best use for such a building is usually what it was designed for.

A spokeswoman said: “Whilst the scheme retains the most significant elements of the stadium, the listed curtilage structures on the site are proposed for total demolition.

“While the principle of housing on the site is one we support, the current proposed form of housing would harm the settings of the retained listed assets and remove all sense of their original context.”

The body asked Waltham Forest to take into account the positive role heritage assets such as the stadium play in sustaining communities and economic vitality.

The letter was made public by Larkswood ward councillor Bernadette Mill, who met with English Heritage last week.

She said: "When I met L&Q late last year, they said keeping the dog track for racing was not a viable option for them.

"Given this assessment by English Heritage and having met with local residents - I intend to meet with L&Q again to suggest alternative proposals which I believe will benefit the local community.”

However, English Heritage did accept that not all original uses were viable or appropriate and the best way of securing the upkeep of historic buildings is to keep them in use.

L&Q chief executive, David Montague, said the housing association's plans for the site have been revised following consultation.

The full details have yet to be made public but the plans still include around 300 homes, allotments and leisure facilities, as included in the original plan.

L&Q says it is in discussions with English Heritage and the council.

A spokesperson added: “The iconic buildings such as the main Tote and kennels are central to our scheme and will create new public spaces bringing the site's heritage into sustainable long term use by people of all ages in the community."