Building a new 80-space commuter car-park would set a “dangerous precedent for further development of the green belt”, according to campaigners.

In an online statement, the Theydon Bois Action Group (TBAG) has said it strongly opposes plans submitted by Transport for London (TfL) to build a new car-park to the east of Theydon Bois underground station, and has urged people to voice concerns.

Theydon Bois Parish Council has previously informed Essex County Council of its concerns over the plan, which do not require standard planning permission.

A small car-park already serves commuters at the Tube station, but TfL said it is operating at full capacity and a new one is needed.

The new site is on TfL-owned green belt land to the east of the station, but TBAG has said the proposed plans would threaten surrounding rural areas.

TBAG’s online statement says: “It would create a dangerous precedent for further development of the green belt at this rural edge of Theydon Bois village. 

“TBAG are working with the parish council and the Rural Preservation Society to defend this green belt land and the potential spread of our village.”

The parish council has previously called for a full safety assessment of the plans over access issues.

The access road to the planned car park would be Station Hill to the east of the Tube station, a small country lane which is currently used as an unofficial car park by commuters.

The surface of the road is potholed, unmarked and not wide enough for heavy usage, which could lead to queuing and congestion if used by more commuters at rush hour every day, and councillors are concerned that this could increase the possibility of traffic accidents at the junction with busy Abridge Road.

The car-park plans will be discussed at the parish council’s planning meeting tonight, at 8pm in the village hall in Coppice Row.

Plans for a 179-space car-park were withdrawn in 2012 over the possibility of damage to green belt land and increased congestion in the village.