A campaign has been launched against a proposal to allow “tall blocks of rabbit hutch flats” in suburban Wanstead and Woodford.

The proposal, described by the Conservatives as an “unprecedented threat to our community”, would see planning rules relaxed in certain areas to allow high density developments.

The plan is among four options currently being considered for inclusion in the Local Development Framework Plan for 2015-30.

Launching the campaign in High Street, Wanstead, on Saturday, Cllr Tom McLaren, of Church End ward, said: “It is about the kind of area we want to live in, and the kind of environment we want our children and grandchildren to grow up in.

“Tall blocks of rabbit-hutch flats would ruin the character of our area, not to mention the pressure they will place on local services.

“This is an unprecedented threat to our community.

Cllr Helen Coomb, Labour cabinet member for planning and regeneration, has stressed that no final decision has been made and the public would be fully consulted.

She also said a target for an extra 1,100 homes a year in Redbridge was imposed by the coalition government.

Other plans being considered are to build on Oakfield playing fields in Ilford or on "parcels" of the green belt.

For more on this story see this week's Guardian - out Thursday