A CONTROVERSIAL plan to demolish three family homes and build a block of 14 flats next to Sylvia Pankhurst's war memorial has met with fierce opposition from residents and conservationists.

The development would involve the destruction of a row of 1930s semi-detached houses on the site of the suffragette's former cottage in Woodford Green High Road, to make way for a new three-storey high apartment complex.

The scheme has been turned down TWICE by the council in the past - but planning officers have recommended that councillors grant the latest application when the matter is decided upon at a Regulatory Committee meeting on Monday.

The recommendation has stunned opponents of the multimillion pound plan, who say it is unsuitable for such an historic location, and fear for the safety of the Grade II listed 'Stone Bomb' anti-air war memorial which stands opposite.

Susan Richards of the Sylvia Pankhurst Festival Committee, said the memorial - which is visited by people from across the World each year - deserves to be protected, not put at extra risk.

She said: "This is a very important monument for Woodford, and for people around the World.

"I am very concerned about any development that might have a negative impact on the statue.

"It is important that any development doesn't obscure the monument. We want to increase its profile not see it diminished."

These views were echoed by Mario Grattarola of nearby Mews Place, who said the planned apartment block would leave several houses surrounded by new developments.

He said: "We've already got the new block of flats at the top of Mornington Road where the old petrol station used to be, and another new development going up just yards away where a large house was demolished.

"People move to this area because of the space and quietness. It's now becoming high density like inner London against the wishes of most of the people who live here.

"On top of that, this is a particularly historic part of Woodford Green. It's where Sylvia Pankhurst used to live - and this must be taken into account."

John Green, 85, of Mornington Road, said the plan would erode the area's distinctive character even further.

He said: "So many blocks of flats are going up around here these days that we are in danger of losing the space and greenery which make Woodford Green such a nice place to live."

Development company, Yasfind, has yet to comment.