Newly built bungalows “look like a prison” according to their neighbours, who claim they appear nothing like the artist’s impression shown when plans were drawn up.
The 12-bungalow development in Rainham Road North, Dagenham – which is yet to be moved into – is an “eyesore”, said residents living opposite.
They might not be the only ones disappointed with the result, given that the new homes are right next to the borough’s grade II-listed register office Woodlands House, where couples come to tie the knot.
Neighbours have given the new retirement homes a number of different nicknames, from “the crematorium” – owing to the chimney-like air vents – to the “prison” and even “Fort Dagenham”.
Former council leader Charles Fairbrass, 78, who lives opposite the bungalows, said: “It looks like the prison they want to build down the road. I was quite disappointed when it went up.”
A council spokesman said trees and climbing plants would be added to soften the buildings’ appearance “in the near future”.
The design, he added, “aims to recapture the iconic heritage of the almshouses that have been part of this country’s life for many years” – but he conceded the reference was “more obvious when the bungalows are viewed from within the site”.
More than 300 people have so far applied to live in the development.
Stephen and Alaine Crowley said they had been shown the artist’s impression of the development – which could be seen hanging on fencing around the site – and told the street outside would be tree-lined.
Alaine, 52, said: “The picture we saw at the start was nice but it isn’t what we have ended up with.”
Stephen, 51, added: “It’s terrible. I don’t know whether it affects the value of our house.”
The bungalows, which are built around a central courtyard, have a single-sided roof that slopes down and away from the road, meaning the front-facing wall is higher than that of a house with a double-sloped roof.
They are on the site of a former care home that had been left derelict for years.
Retired medical researcher Ron Rolt, 68, has lived in his home directly opposite for 18 years.
He said he would like to see the stark brick wall softened by planting, but also suggested the facade could be improved by the addition of balconies or intricate brick work. “It does look a bit like a fort,” he said. “Does it cost a lot more to have something a bit more pleasing to the eye?”
Read more:
Planning appeal to build over former Dagenham convent dismissed by government
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