The extension would provide an extra 64 housing units

The Drapers Garden City Foyer project, which provides housing and training for disadvantaged youths aged 16 to 24, wants to extend its premises.

The project says places are in demand and there is a need for more space.

But locals say the block on Weavers Field, Bethnal Green, will rob them of outdoor space and be an eyesore.

It will be an eyesore... they can't build something there at that height that is going to blend into the background Donald Martin, resident

Resident Donald Martin, 51, is part of a group who took a previous application to the High Court.

He says they will do the same again if necessary to protect Weavers Field.

"It is like an informal park, it's quite a large open space with three football pitches," he told BBC News Online.

"The housing around here is mainly flats, there's not many houses, so it's like everybody's garden.

"It will be an eyesore. They can't build something there at that height that is going to blend into the background."

The group is also worried about anti-social behaviour.

Support services

There are 41 housing units on the site, but the extension would provide an extra 64.

The East Thames Housing Group runs the foyer which also provides training and support services.

It says spaces for Tower Hamlets youths are oversubscribed.

"On average Network East Foyers receives two applications for each foyer place - at Drapers City Foyer we receive 3.5," a spokesman said.

"The Drapers City Foyer also offers training and other opportunities to people living in the local community, not just foyer residents."

The mayor's office says the proposal is in line with government policy as part of its Communities Plan programme.