More than 60 residents have objected to a plan for five new homes in Wanstead, citing fears of overdevelopment.

After a lengthy pre-application process, Firstplan lodged proposals to knock down 14 garages and build two flats and three houses in July.

The developer argued the brick townhouses would boost Redbridge’s housing stock – potentially easing what the council calls a “severe shortage” – and were a better use of space.

It had initially proposed six homes, but reduced the volume after Redbridge Council’s planning department said it would be “unacceptable”.

Planning officers now say the Harley Court scheme should be approved, but locals have pushed back.

A total of 64 formal objections have been submitted by residents, including a petition with 33 signatures.

Their complaints focused on “overdevelopment” and the impact the new homes would have on their residential street. The issues they fear could arise include increased traffic congestion, noise from their new neighbours, and a loss of privacy and light.

They also argued the gated entrance was “oppressive” and would not “create a community feel”.

Other concerns included existing homes potentially depreciating in value, but that is not considered a material issue for the council.

In its planning statement, Firstplan said the homes had been designed “with careful consideration given to the nature of the site, its constraints and its surrounding context”.

It argues the “height, scale, form, and proportions” have been drawn up to ensure the property “has a minimal overall impact on the streetscene” and any impact would be “positive”.

Official bodies including Thames Water, the council’s highways team, and Cadent Gas raised no objections to the plans.

Highways had criticised the original scheme because bin lorries would struggle to reverse in to collect rubbish, but the council says it has since been amended to “ensure a reversing area for both this scheme and the existing flats would be retained”.

As per the 2021 London Plan, which guides development across the capital, Redbridge Council needs to build 1,409 new homes a year. That includes properties built by private developers.

In the last financial year, just 224 went up – around 15 per cent of the target.

As a result, the town hall’s position is to put considerable weight on applications that will deliver more housing.

In a planning report published this week, a council officer wrote: “Planning permission can only be refused where the harm is significant and clearly outweighs the benefit of providing additional housing.”

The plans are due to be decided by the planning committee on October 10.