DEVELOPERS who want to destroy one of the area’s most historic buildings claim they were advised to do so by Redbridge Council.

The Victorian home of one of London’s first cinemas, next door to the George pub in Wanstead High Street, is set to be replaced by nine flats and a restaurant.

The old twin-gabled building dates back to 1850. It opened as the Empire with 600 seats in October 1913, changed its name to the Wanstead Kinema in 1930 and closed in 1956.

In the planning application, architects Platform 5 claim to have been advised by the council to consider demolishing the building, instead of leaving the original facade. And although the council insists it has not issued any formal advice which recommends demolition, the fact the idea has been raised at all has infuriated locals.

Jamie Hodge, of the Wanstead Society, said: “This proposal would completely ruin the look and feel of this part of Wanstead and, coming so soon after the unlawful demolition of one of the only other historic cottages on the High Street, not to mention the suggested demolition of the United Reformed Church, is just too much for the Wanstead Society to take.

“If this is true, then this makes a complete mockery of any claim by the council to care about the area’s heritage. We are fed up with its cavalier approach to Wanstead. We feel that they are not standing up to protect what it is that makes the area special, and we are going to take a stand on this.

Pearly queen Doreen Golding, of Gardner Close, managed a bingo club on the site of the kinema for 32 years after it stopped showing films.

She said: “It would be a terrible shame to lose the building, because it’s had such a colourful history. It’s a landmark.”

Mr Hodge added the application was just one of several threats facing the High Street, as an application to knock down a row of empty shops in Station Parade is due to be decided on Monday and doubts remain over whether the ruined Truffle’s cottage will ever be rebuilt.

A spokeswoman for Redbridge Council said: “We deny giving any formal guidance or advice to the applicant of this particular proposed demolition. Officers were not aware that the applicant intended to demolish until we received the application.”

“Redbridge Council designated Wanstead Village a conservation area with the mindset of protecting its special character and that is still its intention today. By designating Wanstead Village a Conservation Area it allowed it greater protection by giving the Council extra controls over demolition, minor developments and the protection of trees.

“The Council has refused development in the area such as proposals on the 'Evergreen' site adjoining Christchurch Green. Indeed this site is now protected as open space in the Council's local development framework.

"This application, like any other, will be considered on its merits and a decision made in due course."