PLANS to demolish an old butchery and replace it with a block of nine flats have been opposed by dozens of elderly people living nextdoor.

Residents of Westleigh Court sheltered housing in Nightingale Lane say proposals to replace a former butchers warehouse behind their building with six one-bedroom and three two-bedroom flats, would cause a parking nightmare in the area and overload the water supply connection serving the two sites.

Michael Rogers, manager of Westleigh Court said the demolition and building work would also make life miserable for his 45 residents - some of whom are in their eighties.

He said: "The noise and commotion will definitely have an impact.

"They have only planned three parking spaces for the flats which means the other people living there will have to park in the street which is already overcrowded.

"With Tesco about to open in the High Street parking will become ridiculous around here.

"There are too few parking spaces in this area as it is, and we have lots of relatives and helpers visiting during the day who will struggle even more if this is built.

"The water supply here is really weak already so having these flats built next to us will just make things even worse."

Mr Rogers said he was doubtful the opposition of his residents would be enought to prevent the plan going ahead, and criticised the council for not involving them in preliminary discussions.

He said: "Our chartered surveyor has found several elements of the plan which we can object to, but he thinks it is likely that permission will be granted.

"We're unhappy that we weren't consulted about the meetings that have been held on this."

A decision is due to be made on the plan on Monday, December 14.

The developers have yet to comment.

A spokesman for Redbridge Council said: "Redbridge Council received this application on October 19 and wrote to all adjoining neighbours advising that an application had been received and advising them of the procedure to object to or comment on the application.

A site notice has also been put up to publicise the application.

"Residents are still able to make object or comment on this application and these will all be taken into account when a decision is made.

"If the application is not refused under delegated powers, a decision should be made by the Regional Planning Committee West on December 14."