Residents and businesses raised concerns about a Forest Gate housing and retail redevelopment project at a public meeting last week.

Some 64 homes and 1,650 sq m of retail space will replace the existing design of 12 retail units and housing at the Woodgrange Road site.

However, residents have said developer Iron Works has not publicly stated what proportion of the new homes will be social housing and the design by dRMM architects does not fit with the area’s other buildings.

Butcher Barry’s Meat Market could also be at threat from rising rents as a result of the changes and six employees attended one of the two public consultations held last week to share their views.

Owner Barry Parsons, 47, who has had the shop for 30 years, said the plans were a “big worry” for the future of his business and employees.

He said: “I do not want to start again. They are going to take two years to do it – we wouldn’t have a business in two years.

“The other concern is that if they do bring us back, what rent are they going to charge?”

Iron Works director Daniel Harris said the comments from the meeting were “really appreciated”.

He said: “Feedback from local people will help shape the final planning application we submit to Newham Council in the summer.

“As discussions continue and develop with the council, we will update local stakeholders on the key issues raised at the exhibition including residential mix, affordable housing provision, transport and environmental impact.

“We will also continue our established dialogue with the existing retail tenants and work with those wishing to return to site following redevelopment.”