A MIX of opinion has greeted proposals for two four-bedroom homes to be built in the Grove Estate Conservation Area.

Developers have applied for planning permission to demolish Sarum, on the corner of Wanstead's Leicester and Rutland Roads, and replace it with a pair of semi-detached houses.

But community group the Counties Residents Association (CRA) decided not to oppose the plans, instead concentrating on applications for large blocks of flats within the newly designated conservation area.

CRA chairwoman Helen Zammett said: “Although I had some personal reservations about the design, and in particular the side wall, the CRA as a group has decided not to object.

“In fact when the original application went in we applauded the designers for making some attempt to match the character of the neighbourhood.

“The CRA is not against all development but just thinks that because of conservation status we must have a much higher standard of design in this area.”

But not everyone was in favour of the plans.

Caroline Roberts, of nearby Ridgeway Gardens, said: “In this area it would be a disaster to demolish a 1930s house that could be renovated.

“Two houses in place of one would add congestion and concrete in an already built up area. The green option would be to renovate.”

Eufemia Agasee, of Elmcroft Avenue, agrees.

He said: “I object to the existing 1930s house being demolished in favour of a new build. In my opinion this would be a terrible shame and not in keeping with the rest of the area.

“If the application is granted it will disadvantage a neighbourhood that should be protected from this kind of vandalism.”

Scheme architect Nigel Goulding said: “The application proposed a pair of semi-detached houses that will, in our opinion, preserve and enhance the character of the conservation area.

“They follow the pattern of others in the street, on a wider site, so that the proposed open spaces match or exceed that on neighbouring sites.”

A decision on the development is expected in the next few weeks.