PLANS for a housing estate with 344 flats and shops have been recommended for approval by the council after a four-year battle by a developer.

Property firm Hadley Homes has been trying to get permission to build on the Kimberley Industrial Estate, off Billet Road in Walthamstow, since 2008.

Its plans for 560 homes were blocked by the council in 2010. The firm then won an appeal only for the government to step in and refuse permission in 2011.

The new scaled-down plans are for a mixture of properties in six blocks up to five storeys high, and includes space for shops and offices, a crèche and 293 parking spots.

The housing is slightly above maximum limits for density and just 15 per cent of the properties will be "affordable" - less than the original 20 per cent proposed by the developer and far below council guidelines of 50 per cent.

But council officers say the rate is acceptable because anything more than that will not now be financially viable for the developer.

Three residents and the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority have objected to the plans.

There are concerns about the impact of the development on the neighbourhood, while the park authority is concerned that part of the development encroaches on its land.

Waltham Forest Police also have "concerns" about the lighting and layout of the development, which they fear could encourage crime.

But council officers believe these concerns can be overcome.

They have recommended permission be granted but with a number of conditions, including that Hadley Homes pays £1million in 'section 106' community grants to the council.

Many of the buildings on the industrial estate were badly damaged in a huge fire in April 2011 and the council said there was "broad support" for demolishing them.

The report states: "The loss of poor quality traditional industrial/employment land can be justified.

"There is a demonstrated housing need and the range of new commercial and community uses would help to compensate for the loss of existing employment.

"The amenity and environment of the area would be sustainably improved with the introduction of a housing led mixed-use redevelopment."

A council planning committee will meet next Wednesday May 16 to vote on the proposed scheme, which is larger than the recently-approved application for a housing estate at Walthamstow Stadium.

Do you live nearby? What do you think? Contact reporter Daniel Binns on 0779 547 6625 or via email at dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Facebook