The Avenue Wanstead planned flats block to become taller

The applicant won permission to demolish a bungalow in The Avenue and build nine new flats back in 2022.

A fresh application was lodged earlier this year, formally requesting to vary eight of the 18 conditions the council attached four years ago. It included proposals to increase the building’s height between 0.25m and 0.75m.

The scheme received near unanimous support from Labour-run Redbridge Council’s planning committee at a meeting on July 15.

A representative for the applicant argued the plans had already been approved in principle, and the amendments put forward were “modest” in nature.

The council’s planning department said the boost “would not materially alter the appearance” of the block, nor would it lead to a further loss of light for neighbours, but 18 residents lodged a total of 27 objections.

The bulk of their comments focused on the height being “out of character” for The Avenue and it contributing to a sense of overdevelopment and “overenclosure”.

Council officers agreed the increase could result in “some harm” to the local Wanstead conservation area – implemented to preserve the historic and aesthetic character of the local setting – but it would be limited to “less than substantial harm”.

At last night’s hearing, two residents argued the planning permission had lapsed in August – as work needs to begin within three years of permission being granted – and that continuing without resubmitting an application was unlawful.

However, a planning officer said that work on demolishing the bungalow began on August 8, one day before permission expired. Once work has formally begun, there is no rule on how quickly a project must be completed.

The committee overall voted in favour of the application, with Green councillor Kallan Greybe voting against.