A FORMER pub is to set to be demolished and replaced with a large care home, despite residents' fears about the size of the development.

The Prince of Wales in Hatch Lane, Chingford, closed last year amid accusations by neighbours that it had been deliberately run into the ground by its owners so the site could be developed.

The former manager of the pub vehemently denied the claim, saying every effort had been made to make the pub viable.

At a planning committee meeting on Tuesday, councillors will decide whether to follow officer's recommendation to approve the 45-bedroom home.

Chadwick Avenue resident Sophia Gray, who submitted a petition to the council signed by 267 residents living in neighbouring flats, will be voicing her objections at the meeting on behalf of residents.

The 41-year-old said: “Originally we didn't want to lose the pub because Chingford Hatch is a little community and they have taken away our only pub, so that was the issue.

“But we realise the owner can build what he wants to. We want to see a scaled down version of the plans. As it stands, there will be more pressure on community resources and parking.”

Some residents are also concerned about a loss of privacy in the quiet road, close to Epping Forest.

Mum-of-two Linda Hurley, also of Chadwick Avenue, said: “It could be built very close to our fence and back garden. We are worried about it overlooking.

“Also, there is a new home up the road, so why they want another one I don't know. It is such a nice building, what a shame to pull it down.”

But in a report ahead of Tuesday's meeting, council officers say that the “quiet suburban setting” make it a suitable site for the proposed home.

It also disputes resident's claims on over-crowding, saying: “The impact on surrounding neighbours, in terms of loss of light, overshadowing or loss of privacy is acceptable given the separation distances between new and existing development.”

A previous application for a larger care home on the same site was submitted at the beginning of the year, but withdrawn in March.

Chadwick Road residents were furious when large trees, including a large eucalyptus tree, were felled to make way for the developing. No tree preservation orders had been placed on the trees.