Plans that could quadruple the density of housing in Wanstead and Woodford were denounced as “unacceptable” at a public meeting yesterday.

Organised by Conservative councillors as part of the "Save our Suburbs” campaign, more than 200 people attended the meeting at Woodford Parish Church Memorial Hall, in High Road, South Woodford.

One of the options being considered for the Local Development Framework 2015-30 by Redbridge council could see large scale developments in traditionally suburban “major corridors” in Woodford Green, South Woodford and Wanstead.

Other options include building on existing, unspecified “parcels” of green belt land, and developing Oakfield playing fields in Fencepiece Road, Ilford.

Speakers said infrastructure would not be able to cope with a resulting increase in population.

Schools, doctors’ surgeries and the transport system were said to be already struggling to cope.

Chair of South Woodford Society, Pearl Arbenser-Simmonds, said: "The proposal is unacceptable.

“Infrastructure will not cope. We are not in central London so we should not be treated as if we are."

The “Save our Suburbs” campaign has been criticised by Labour leader of Redbridge council, Cllr Jas Athwal, who described it as "gesture politics".

The public consultation on proposal ends on December 22.

To have your say and to find out more on plans click here.

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