CAMPAIGNERS have hit out at “nonsense” proposals for a potential tower block next to a busy Tube station in the ongoing fight against it.

The Station Estate near South Woodford Station has been earmarked for development for a number of years as part of the Redbridge Local Plan.

But while resident groups are not opposed to development in the area, the suggestion of a “landmark building” has sparked major concern a tower block could be built on the site.

Members of the South Woodford Society (SWS) met with MP for Chingford and Woodford Green Iain Duncan Smith last week (October 21) to express their ongoing fears.

SWS member Rena Pathak said: “During our meeting on Friday people kept stopping by to ask what was happening with the site.

“There is clearly still a lot of concern around the Station Estate.

“The main one we have is that it is far too small for the development the council is suggesting.

“It will be affected by noise and air pollution from the Central Line and the businesses that will be pushed out in the process will lose South Woodford’s micro-economy a lot of money.

“It’s absolute nonsense.”

SWS chairman Nicky Tranmer added fears around what will happen to the Station Estate are “only a small part of a much wider problem with the Local Plan.”

The society has taken an active role in opposing the Local Plan's proposals for 650 homes to be built in the area in the next 15 years, citing a “chronic” lack of infrastructure as its main source of anxiety.

Conservative Cllr Tom McLaren supports SWS' grievances and maintains a tower block would be “completely inappropriate for the area”.

He said: “It’s still very early days – this isn’t something we’re going to see happen in the next six months.

“But a planning brief for the site has been sent out, so residents are right to be concerned.

“We appreciate Mr Duncan Smith’s support on this issue and hope the council listens to us this time.”

Redbridge Council said it is still processing feedback on the Local Plan and any “detailed proposal” for the Station Estate would have to take the form of a separate planning application and be “subject to public consultation”.

A spokesman added: “The Station Estate has long been earmarked for mixed use development.

“As part of the Local Plan it would aim to build new homes in the most accessible locations, like South Woodford, which are close transport routes and other services.”