A DATE has finally been set a date to meet neighbours and discuss concerns about “reckless” plans for new homes.

Labour’s Jas Athwal promised to hold a public meeting about the 2015-2030 Local Plan, which includes building 650 new homes in the area, back in September.

But his fellow councillor, Lloyd Duddridge, has now organised the meeting himself. The time and place is yet to be decided.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Cllr Gwyneth Deakins was left feeling “snubbed” because she first requested the meeting at the start of September, but has not been told it is taking place.

She said: “I am extremely angry. It’s so discourteous. Simply not to tell me is very rude, everything else aside.

“We are on opposing political sides but I am trying to represent people in my ward who are concerned, but I’ve been cut out totally.

“This is an important issue which shouldn’t be party political. People need the chance to hold the leader to account. I am hacked off, but I’m not surprised about this.”

In fact, Cllr Deakins only found out about the meeting when told about it by the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian.

It is being held to discuss a number of developments – including 32 new homes at Old Mill Court and 151 temporary homes for homeless people next to Charlie Brown’s Roundabout.

But Cllr Duddridge says he has "no intention" of leaving Cllr Deakins out of the meeting.

He said: "The South Woodford Society asked me to organise this and act as a go-between between them and Jas.

"It's not Jas being lazy or trying to avoid this meeting. I've got no interest in leaving Cllr Deakins out - I actually discussed this with her at committee.

"I'm waiting to hear back from the library about whether we can hold the meeting there."

People in South Woodford have branded plans for 650 homes in the area “reckless” and a “threat to our way of life.”

The South Woodford Society (SWS) claim the proposals do not respect the suburban character of the area or provide enough infrastructure.

Fears over lack of school places and doctors surgeries, as well as pressure on the Central Line and roads are also shared by opposition councillors in Roding and Church End.