CAMPAIGNERS have formed a new residents’ association to fight plans to build a housing estate on the Walthamstow Stadium site.
Neighbours of the Chingford Road site are against London & Quadrant’s (L&Q) bid to build 294 homes and leisure facilities, with many voicing their opposition at a meeting last week.
The Walthamstow Stadium Residents’ Association is set to back an alternative proposal for the site from businessman Bob Morton, who hopes to return dog racing to the iconic stadium alongside housing.
Gail Penfold, 47, of Empress Avenue, is encouraging the community to unite against L&Q’s plans.
She said: “It will help us fight the developer together and hopefully it will give us a boost to kick-start our fight against what is just a concrete jungle.
“It will show the council it’s not just a few people who are opposed to this development – the feeling against it is widespread.
“We have a wonderful community around here and if this is built, it will land right in the middle of us: it would tear us apart.”
Mrs Penfold claims that a survey of she conducted in roads close to the stadium showed 96 per cent were against the L&Q proposal, which is due to be considered by the council in March.
Martin Sabar, 39, of Nelson Road, Chingford, has vowed to join the resident’s association.
He said: “Nobody wants to see the stadium become a housing estate, they should bring the dogs back – it really brought the community together, while the estate would drive it apart.
“The association is a great way to bring everybody’s concerns together and it will unite us. We’re much stronger together.”
An L&Q spokesman said: "A number of changes have been made following feedback from local residents and the council, including reducing the heights of some of the buildings and moving some these further away from neighbouring homes.
"The proposals, which have been submitted to Waltham Forest Council, will deliver a £50m iconic development and will preserve the heritage of the site. It will also provide 294 new homes for local families, a modern sports centre run by the community, a children’s nursery and allotments, as well as over 250 local jobs.”
People interested in joining the association can contact Mrs Penfold on 07852 544 910 or visit the Facebook page: facebook.com/pages/Walthamstow-Stadium
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