AN ARCHITECT involved in a controversial development in Wanstead High Street has claimed an historic building at the site fell down of its own accord.

The Victorian-era cottage, which formerly housed Truffles Chocolate shop and another empty retail unit, was destroyed back in May, much to the fury of residents and councillors.

The developers at the site only had planning permission to demolish the first floor of the structure, leaving both campaigners and the council to conclude the rest of the building had been deliberately knocked down by builders.

A spokesman for Redbridge Council told the Guardian in June: "the council has not given planning permission for the demolition of the whole of the property and upon learning such work was taking place...we contacted the owner immediately advising him to stop work".

But now the architect behind the development, Michael Herman, has hit back and said the building was structurally unsafe before work began.

He told the Guardian: "It wasn't demolished, the building fell down. There were cracks in the wall so big you could see through to the other side.

"It was the worst building I've ever come across. The builders attempted everything they could to save it but they couldn't do it.

"I don't understand what they [the campaigners] are complaining about, perhaps they've got the wrong end of the stick."

The Guardian understands that the developer himself, identified only as Mr A. Rafeeq in planning documents, does not wish to speak on the issue.

Scott Shillum, of the Wanstead Society, expressed scepticism at Mr Herman's claims.

He said: "the Wanstead Society continues to seek answers as to potential prosecution of the developer who clearly demolished an early Victorian building without permission.

"We have seen the plans for the new building and they do at least attempt to closely replicate what was there before. The fact however remains that the original 19th century cottage no longer exists."

The developers are currently waiting for the outcome of a new planning application to rebuild the structure in a similar style to the original cottage, with two new shops on the ground floor and accommodation on the first floor.

Redbridge Council refused to comment because a decision whether or not to prosecute the developers is still being considered by its legal department.