Council planners are recommending that the project to demolish the row of very old shops in Woodbine Place should be approved at a meeting of the Redbridge planning committee to be held on Wednesday evening.
The plan to replace 12-15 Woodbine Place – the kebab shop, Wanstead Hairdressers, and Bambini – with four new commercial units and office space above has been fiercely opposed by Wanstead campaigners. Redbridge’s own Heritage Officer objected to the proposal because it would, they said, cause harm to the significance of the rest of the site.
A total of 83 objections were made to the proposal, on the grounds that there was no demand for the office space, that the building was going to be too big and out of character with the surrounding area and Conservation Zone.
The officers however are recommending that the proposal be approved because it would support “the better utilisation of the site and improv[e] the viability and range of the high street and secondary frontage on Wanstead High Street”.
Three images going back in time
Literally any development, of any kind, anywhere in Wanstead is fiercely opposed by Wanstead campaigners. I don’t think that is a reason to reject something.
I don’t understand why, in spite of so many objections, the council planners always get what they want.
It will be deeply regretted afterwards. These kind of buildings are precisely the unique architecture that makes Wanstead, Wanstead
Office space is no longer needed as much as before: people work online and, indeed , from anywhere.
How can this be allowed to happen in a conservation zone?
Three people to force a meeting. Why hasn’t this happened. It’s not the first time by far.
how can lbr go against their own heritage officer?
The planners are directed by councillots. The heritage officer will also be a planner and is likely speaking out. Lobby your Councillors. Planners will have to do what they say as they are paid by them. Get i???