A seven-storey housing complex with a community cafe, studio and business workspace will be built on the site of a former pub and builder’s merchant in Hainault.

Redbridge Council’s planning committee voted in favour of demolishing the existing structure in Manford Way on Wednesday, October 31.

In its place, 105 residential flats will be constructed and 20 of them will be classed as affordable housing with shared ownership and socially rented units available.

Speaking at the meeting at Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, applicant Ben Spencer said: “As some of you know already I grew up in Hainault and still have family there so I was personally committed from the start to ensure we deliver a scheme that above all benefits the community and enhances Hainault and particularly creates a new identity for Manford Way - which hasn’t seen this level of regeneration in years.

“Fundamentally we wanted to design the scheme with the community, for the community and hopefully it is testament to the level of engagement and public consultation we have undertaken that only 11 objections have been made against a proposal of this nature with over 80 signatures and letters in support.

“We held over 20 meetings including workshops and consultations and the scheme has been reformed following feedback from local stakeholders.”

“The ground floor and public realm improvements, for example, are a by-product of our consultation with local Dance Shak to operate a community-led studio space, Work Redbridge to oversee a workspace for emerging businesses based in IG6 and IG7 with a non-recourse £8,000 grant to help them grow. At the heart of the scheme, the proposed community-led cafe will be the catalyst for creating a renewed district centre feeling.”

Hainault ward councillor, Councillor Roy Emmet also spoke in favour of the development.

“(Residents) may have reservations about what some might call a tower block but the benefits of this overwhelm any reservations they may have,” he said.

“It will provide much-needed homes and jobs in Hainault.

“I have been told by residents that it is a dodgy block with hiding spots where people tend to gather - it will bring security to the area.”

Councillor Ruth Clark said it is a shame the development is as high as it is but decided to back the application.

“The density is only 68per cent - 32pc lower than it should be,” she said.

“A couple of storeys off and it would be great.

“But there is trouble in the area, it is not a good place, so actually you have persuaded me differently to what I had thought earlier.”

Redbridge Council approved the development.