AN investigation has been launched following claims a developer is building a "dangerous" basement underneath a shop, after previous plans for an extension were refused.

Neighbours living close to the property in Hale End Road, by the junction with Forster Close on the Highams Park and Woodford Green border, have been growing increasingly suspicious of works going on inside the building since permission for a new floor was turned down in October.

Workmen have been seen removing large quantities of earth from inside the shop, which is expected to open as a new convenience store later this year.

The lead builder at the site, who declined to reveal his name, told the Guardian that the excavation was part of maintenance to repair the building's foundations.

But resident Dorothy Johnson, of Forster Close, said she was not convinced.

She said: “I'm very concerned. When I've managed to look in there is a hole as deep as a man.

“They have used multiple skips over at least a month to remove inner walls and to dig deep and remove lots and lots of soil from inside.

“I believe that this puts the building in danger of collapse and could cause someone serious injury or death. There is no scaffolding round the building and it is not cordoned off.

"In addition there is a bus stop right outside.

"It's very dangerous when a large vehicle like a bus could upset the whole thing."

She added: "I contacted the council at the beginning of December but they never got back to me about it."

A Waltham Forest Council spokesman said the claims were being investigated.

He added: “Planning enforcement have visited and will be visiting again with building control.”

The original application was turned down on the grounds that the development would not be in keeping with the surrounding area.

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter