A newly formed community will live on the site of a historic former Hainault factory, under ambitious redevelopment plans. Precise details of the proposals will not be unveiled until a public meeting next week.

But the Recorder has learned the 5.5 acre former Kelvin Hughes factory site in New North Road is being eyed up for a 180 home development, together with a commercial building and a “landscaped, linear park”.

The site is a suitable location for residential and commercial property, according to developer Taylor Wimpy Homes.

Family houses, apartments and affordable homes are all part of the proposed development for the century-old factory site, which has been vacant since last year.

Alan Howe, of Clayhall, said: “It is a bit of a shame Kelvin Hughes went really because there was a lot of history and it had been there for 100 years.

“A lot of local people have memories of working there.”

Mr Howe, secretary of community group Barkingside 21, added he was keen to find out the breakdown between commercial and residential space.

He added: “I am quite surprised that there is commercial floor space involved (in the plans).”

Mr Howe will be joined at next week’s meeting and exhibition by Cllr Joyce Ryan, who was adamant she did not want high density housing to be built on the site.

She said: “There are only two roads going through Hainault (New North Road and Manford Way) so I would be interested to see the proposals.”

Taylor Wimpey’s proposals will be displayed at the Hainault Forest Community Association, Manford Way, Hainault on Thursday between 11am and 8pm.

It will give residents, businesses, community groups and other interested parties the opportunity to discuss the plans with the project team.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesman said: “We are confident that this development would not only fulfil a need for more high-quality homes and provide new employment opportunities for the local area, but that it would also positively enhance the community for the benefit of everyone.”

“The feedback we receive will be taken into account when finalising our design for submission to the council.”

Kelvin Hughes manufactured marine navigation systems.