NEIGHBOURS fear plans to knock down buildings and build a new home will have an “oppressive impact” on the community.

Five opponents, including Conservative Councillor Tom McClaren, have criticised a proposal to build a new one bedroom house in Stanley Road, South Woodford.

The applicant, described in the report as Mr Bell, wants to build the house on land used for storage between two existing properties.

Cllr McClaren claims the proposed design will not suit the area.

He says: “We do have a problem with the creation of new housing in the area but we need homes that aren’t rabbit warren flats.

“The key issue with this proposal is that although the street is mixed development, this is a modern design that won’t fit well in the space. I am concerned about the impact it will have on neighbouring properties.”

The councillor rejected the suggestion that he was standing in the way of people getting housed, saying he would back the right proposal.

Cllr McClaren says: “I am not opposed to development at the site per se but I don’t think the current development is fit for purpose. There concerns about the relationship between this design and neighbouring properties.

“If someone else came forward with a suitable design I would have no objection.”

Neighbours echoed worries that the design will look out of character with the rest of the area, be “overbearing” and have an “oppressive impact” and infringe on privacy.

They also highlighted concerns about the quality of accommodation, over development and the cramped form of development.

However, a planning officer’s report submitted to the committee said that the two-storey design is “acceptable in design terms” and “will have no significant adverse impact” on neighbouring properties.

The planning officer recommended the committee to approve Mr Bell’s proposal with conditions.

The application will be decided by Redbridge Council’s planning committee due to the number of objections.