AN application from a golf club to build a five bedroom house on a patch of land containing several protected trees has been approved.

Councillors approved the plan from Wanstead Golf club last night.

Several previous applications to build on the site, which opponents say provides a haven for wildlife, have been turned down.

Alan Cornish, vice-chairman of the Friends of Wanstead Parklands spoke against the plan.

He said: "It was a rather fraught meeting.

"The Chairman (Cllr Michael Stark) threatened to clear the hall because it was getting quite rowdy."

And he added: "I think it's pathetic that they passed this.

"The golf club will make a profit, but anyone living nearby will lose out."

Councillors Richard Hoskins and Hugh Cleaver declared an interest as friends of Mr Cornish and did not vote on the application.

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