DEVELOPERS have been given the go-ahead to demolish a pub and build a 45-bed care home.

The former Prince of Wales pub, in Hatch Lane, Chingford, will be redeveloped by Aquesta Ltd after councillors gave the go-ahead at a planning committee meeting this evening.

At the meeting, Connington Crescent resident Colin Hassell asked councillors whether there was need for a care home after one had already opened in Hatch Lane recently.

He said: “But my main concern is the extra traffic There will be a car park for staff, but there could be 48 visitors and car parking is a nightmare round there. We have all kinds of people parking in the road.”

But councillors voted unanimously in favour after concluding there was no valid reason to object to the proposal.

Conservative councillor Alan Siggers said: “I cannot think of a single planning ground under which we could oppose it. You have got a pub there and there is likely to be considerably more traffic generated from a pub.”

Deputy council leader Cllr John Macklin said the loss of the pub was sad, but supported the plans.

Labour councillor Midge Broadley said: “I think these care home are desperately needed and will be needed in the future. That is where I would like to go when I cannot even answer the door. The fact there will be a day centre is also very good.”