Plans for tents housing hundreds of visitors on Wanstead cricket club during the Olympics have been given the go-ahead.

The tents, which will see up to 500 visitors descend on the cricket club in Overton Drive, were granted planning permission - but divided councillors at last week’s regulatory committee meeting in Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, Ilford.

Delighted club treasurer Chris Hurd said: “We understand some people are concerned about this, but we hope we’ve done everything we can to address this. We have another cricket ground so our members won’t miss out on any playing.”

Councillors voted seven for and six against, after hearing a petition in which 82 signatures from 76 households was received objecting to the proposal, on the grounds of music being played late at night and extra traffic in the area.

Cllr Alex Wilson, of Wanstead ward said: “I voted against this – not because of the traffic issues it could cause, as a lot of people coming from abroad won’t be using their cars, but because the possibility of antisocial behaviour is a worry.”

A set of conditions were agreed by councillors, including allowing 500 visitors as opposed to 600, and asking for extra security to be provided.

A 24-hour phone line which residents can report issues they are having will also be set up during the games.

The site will be handed over to an Australian tour operator during the three weeks of the Olympics, and most visitors are expected to be from Australia and New Zealand.