Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn has spoken of his shock after his club's application for planning permission to build a new north stand was rejected.
The scheme intended to convert Brisbane Road to a four-sided ground
Hearn had proposed building a new 1,300-seater stand at Brisbane Road but the London Borough of Waltham Forest's planning committee threw out the plan.
"To say we're disappointed and shocked is an understatement," said Hearn.
According to the club website, the "long-term viability of the club in the area has been brought into question."
Hearn added: "At a time when council across the country are clamouring to help their local clubs, we are dismayed that such a short-sighted decision has been taken."
The club will now submit an appeal to the borough, as well as Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, and follow those up with a second fast-tracked application.