It's ten years ago this week since it was confirmed that construction of a controversial tower block in East London would begin.

Construction of a controversial 14-storey hotel in the heart of Walthamstow will begin within weeks, the developer has confirmed.

The tower block will form part of a large residential complex, including two eight-storey housing units, by the Priory Avenue side of Walthamstow Central Station.

Planning permission for the £20 million development was granted by the council in January despite widespread opposition from residents.

They said the design was ugly and intrusive and expressed doubts whether the hotel was viable.

Disruption is expected in the area during construction, although walkways are being erected to allow access to the station.

The hotel, a low-budget Travelodge, is due to open in June or July next year.

Peter Hughes, of developers Solum Regeneration, said: “This development is a major investment into Walthamstow.

"It will improve facilities within the station and the environment around it, breathing new life into the town centre and making it a more secure and safe environment for local people and commuters."

The council has also continued to offer its enthusiastic backing.

Back in January former planning and housing cabinet member Cllr Marie Pye gave her support to the project, but caused outrage when she said opponents of high-rise buildings in Walthamstow should "move to Surrey".

Speaking ahead of the start of construction, council leader Cllr Chris Robbins said he looked forward to seeing the finished buildings.

He added: "We have to face facts, it’s ultimately aspirational schemes like these that Walthamstow needs.

"We want to provide jobs and options for our residents and we also need to be capitalising on the fact that we’re only 15 minutes from either Liverpool Street or Oxford Street so that we can bring more money into the borough.

"This scheme satisfies both requirements, and I look forward to seeing the results of Solum’s hard work.”

The development will include 69 new flats. Solum Regeneration claims it will help bring in an extra £1 million a year to the local economy, although campaigners dispute this.