A COMMUNITY charity dedicated to helping adults improve themselves through education has said its very existence is threatened by a developer wishing to build a block of flats next door.

Buckhurst Hill Community Association, based at Bedford House, in Westbury Road, Buckhurst Hill, has been providing arts, crafts, and leisure activities since 1950 with more than 600 students currently enrolled on its books.

But trust members have claimed plans to demolish the private house next door to build a four-storey block of seven flats will cause so much disruption, lessons will have to be cancelled, and the building could close.

Executive secretary Joyce Clayton said: “Even if the structure of Bedford House was to be heavily protected against movement, it would be impossible to hold classes during the long construction period because of the noise and other disruption.

“It is possibly the greatest threat posed to the Association since its inception.”

Daphne Rooney, 82, of Palmerston Road, regularly attends art classes at Bedford House, and said it was a vital part of her life.

She said: “It gets me out of bed, and fitter, and socialising. I’m very worried at the thought of this closing down. I used to go to Theydon Bois and that closed down. It would be devastating. Plus there’s too may flats in here in a very small area.”

The plan to demolish 2 Westbury Road is a revised scheme drawn up by current resident Chris Rotsey, who once campaigned against extra flats in neighbouring Palmerston Road.

After his previous plan for ten flats was rejected by both the district council and Planning Inspectorate, Mr Rotsey said his new scheme had alleviated the problems by eliminating a roof terrace and demonstrating a new style more in keeping with the road.

He acknowledged there would be some disruption to Bedford House but denied it would be serous adding: “There will necessarily be noisy spells and quiet spells. It’s possible there could be some interference.

“Obviously we can accommodate limitations on the construction work. Many of their classes are in the evening- they wouldn’t be affected anyway.”

Chris Marshall, of Scotland Road, has been organising residential objections to the scheme.

He said: “While it is accepted that the roof terrace is no longer present in this application, and that alteration has been made to the design, the overall bulk of the proposed building remains largely the same as the previously refused application.”

The application is due to be decided at the district council’s planning committee meeting next Wednesday (June 24) at 7.30pm, in Roding Valley High School, Loughton.