A MASSIVE residential development has been earmarked for the Queen Mary and Westfield College site in South Woodford.

Over 300 homes are expected to be built on the High Road land which was recently bought by private pension fund holder Waltham Forest Friendly Society and RCT Construction Limited for £21m.

Plans are at the very early stages, and both companies have yet to draw up a blueprint for the exact type of accommodation, style and layout, but the final development is expected to be worth in excess of £60m.

Philip Waterfield, director of Walthamstow estate agent Strettons, said: "Usually the site value is estimated at a third of the final development, so we're looking at the retail value being at least £60m.

"The site cannot be built on until July 2004 because the students are decamping to new accommodation in Mile End in June 2004."

He added: "It's difficult to estimate how many homes will be built there at such an early stage, but there will possibly be 1,000 habitable rooms, and the average flat has three rooms."

Following last month's rejection of developer Tudorvale's swimming pool and residential complex across the road on the Fenchurch House land, residents proposed the larger 10-acre Queen Mary site as the ideal venue for a pool.

Mr Waterfield said it was far too early to speculate whether the developers plan to include a swimming pool in their blueprint or demolish the three towering halls of residence.

He said: "You don't need to be a swimming pool expert to know you can get a swimming pool on the site, but it all depends what the developer and council decide on."

Chartered property surveyor Nigel Bone, of NRB Surveyors in Chingford, who is acting on behalf of the college, said: "I don't know anything about the development yet as contracts were only exchanged two to three weeks ago.

"They've got a year before the college moves out to take all the necessary advice from architects and planners and consult with local plans before producing their plans."

Chairman of ACE (Action for Church End) Dr Frank Middlemiss, who campaigned against the Fenchurch House development, said: "I do think that some part of the site should be reserved for public community use.

"Maybe some green land where people can play footbal. We don't want the whole area completely covered in houses and flats."

Echoing Mr Middlemiss's sentiments is David Moore, co-ordinator of Hillcrest Action Group, who also opposed the Tudorvale development.

Mr Moore said: "A large site like the Queen Mary site should have a certain degree of public amenity space. A swimming pool makes more sense on a 10 acre-site like that.

"I think the three existing tower blocks on the site are an eyesore. They were built during the '60s when plans were somewhat lax. Most people would be happy to see them demolished."

May 1, 2003 10:00