WANSTEAD: Investigation launched after historic building destroyed (From This Is Local London)

WANSTEAD: Investigation launched after historic building destroyed

7:50am Tuesday 9th June 2009

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A PROPERTY developer has been slammed by residents after it demolished an historic Victorian building in Wanstead High Street without planning permission.

Residents were appalled when the 100-year-old building, which formerly housed Truffles chocolate shop, was almost completely knocked down last month.

And now it has emerged that the council is to launch an investigation into the incident.

Originally the authority granted permission only for its upper floor to be removed as part of the development, which developers said they would replace with a modern, one bedroom flat.

Billie Figg, of the Wanstead Society, said she was outraged at the developer’s "disregard for the area."

She added: “I felt physically sick when I first saw it.

“It’s not just how the building looked but it was part of the history and charm of the High Street.

“It’s a shame for the children too because before they’ve had a chance to find out about their history it’s being torn down in front of them.”

Kerrie Dainty, manager of cafe Nice Croissant, located over the road from the demolition site, said: “It did have quite a lot of character, and I do think it’s a shame to lose a building like that, especially since this is a conservation area.

“It is an eyesore now, but that’s what you get when a building is knocked down.”

A spokesman for Redbridge Council said: "Last year Redbridge Council gave planning permission and Conservation Area consent for the demolition of the first floor of this building and its rebuilding into a self-contained flat.

"However, the council has not given planning permission for the demolition of the whole of the property and upon learning such work was taking place last month, we contacted the owner immediately advising him to stop work and contact the planning office.

"We are now investigating the matter and liaising with our legal team on the most appropriate form of enforcement action."

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