THE developer behind plans for a housing estate at Walthamstow Stadium has said it hopes to start work on construction as soon as possible.

A council panel narrowly passed the controversial plans for 294 homes by housing association London and Quadrant (L&Q) at a heated meeting last night (Tuesday May 8).

However L&Q have one final hurdle to overcome before building can begin as the application must secure final approval from the Greater London Assembly and London mayor Boris Johnson.

In a statement, L&Q Land Director Mike Johnson said he was very pleased at the outcome of the meeting.

He said: "This is an important milestone for the scheme and we look forward to beginning work as soon as we possibly can, subject to meeting the remaining conditions in the planning process.

“Our proposals offer a mix of 50 houses and 244 apartments providing high quality and much needed homes for people on a range of incomes.

"It would bring £50million worth of investment into the borough, including £3.8 million in section 106 contributions which will be used to improve local leisure, health and transport facilities. It would preserve the heritage of this iconic and historic site for the long term.

"In addition our plans would create new opportunities, including 250 jobs and many apprenticeships.”

Ricky Holloway, of the Save Our Stow (SOS) campaign, which wants to see a return of greyhound racing to the site, vowed to fight on.

He said: "I'm not surprised it got approved, it's what we were expecting from this council.

"I hope now Boris [Johnson] stands by his word and throws this application out.

"L&Q's proposals go against all planning guidelines of this borough.

"It's disgraceful what these Labour councillors have done and the public will make their voices heard by voting them out at the next election."

Gail Penfold, of the Walthamstow Stadium Area Residents' Association added: "We're very disappointed but we're hoping the London mayor will turn it down."

Residents, campaigners and MPs have all raised concerns about issues including the design of the development, the lack of social housing and the impact on neighbours.

Reacting to last night's verdict, Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy said in a statement: "I’m saddened to see that L&Q have passed through this stage of the planning process in their bid to develop the Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium as a housing estate.

"I remain concerned that their bid does not meet the needs of our local area in providing an appropriate mix of housing and therefore isn’t good enough for Walthamstow.

"Furthermore, the existence of an alternative proposal which would preserve dog racing on the site providing much needed local jobs, as well as a better mix of housing, serves to highlight the need to explore other options for the Stadium.

"That’s why along with residents and neighbouring MP Iain Duncan Smith we will now be lobbying the Mayor of London to use his powers to look again at this matter and ensure the best deal is secured for our community for this site."

A planning meeting to decide on an application for a bus depot at the stadium's car park, opposite the site in Chingford Road, Chingford, is due to be heard next Wednesday (May 16).

The London mayor is expected to make a final decision on the application in the next few months.

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