RESIDENTS will quiz a housing association tonight on its plan to demolish a controversial pub and build flats.

CBHA is in the process of finalising a deal to buy the former Lincoln’s pub site in High Road, Leytonstone, and hopes to build a new block incorporating 17 flats with either two, three or four bedrooms.

Ferndale Area Residents Association (FARA) raised concerns that the front of the 150-year-old building, which is one of the few historical structures in the area, will be lost and the development will lead to traffic and parking congestion.

Members will discuss the plans with CBHA at the first Leytonstone Ward Forum meeting tonight (January 2).

Flash Bristow, FARA chair said she held a positive meeting with CBHA’s Freya Johnstone, who discussed ideas to incorporate historical features into the development and limit disruption.

Mrs Bristow added: “I must admit before I met her I thought the plan was going to be terrible but having met her she has obviously considered things thoroughly.

“It is positive that she has come forward to speak to us but I am being neutral until we see the actual plans.

“As and when a planning application goes in, I know as residents we will be assessing all the different issues, and then we will be able to say what our official position is.”

However, Mrs Bristow is relieved there will no longer be a pub after long-term problems with crime and anti-social behaviour.

The pub was eventually closed two years after an undercover police officer was offered cocaine during a sting operation.

Mrs Bristow said: “The area is so different and quiet now.

“We were worried if another pub bought the building the same crowd would return.”

The forum meeting, which is open to the public, starts at 7pm at St John’s Church Hall in High Road. A consultation on plans for the site is planned.

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter