NEIGHBOURS are campaigning against plans to turn a historical pub into flats over fears it will create “dangerous traffic.”

Russell Woodland and Deborah Woznicki, who live near the former Royal Oak pub in Smarts Lane, Loughton, disagree with a development company’s plans to turn the building into flats, and they claim it would make the road busier and invade their privacy.

The proposals would see the pub building converted into five flats, while a building next door would be changed to nine flats, with extra parking.

The pub, which was open for more than 100 years, shut in 2014 after failing to succeed as a ‘gastro pub.’

The pubs architect was Arthur Dixon, a close friend of Waltham Forest designer, William Morris, who pioneered the arts and crafts movement.

The Loughton Residents Association previously told the Guardian Series that the pub should be considered an asset to the community.

Russell Woodland says if the development is allowed, it would all be “crammed into one small space” and out of character with the road.

He said: “We, as a community, do not mind something being there, but we are just concerned that the development will be too high. It’s going to over shadow everything. It will look into the bedrooms of other houses too. You know what, it’s the future of Loughton at stake.”

Deborah has similar concerns. She said: “There has already been severe parking problems. Can you imagine what it will be like if they started work on this road? How dangerous is it going to be if you can’t get fire engines and ambulances down here?

“It will affect my privacy. They will be looking into the houses below and blocking out the natural light.”

Deborah also believes the extra traffic will affect her grandchildren’s health and wellbeing.

“I have three grandchildren who have chest problems. I do think it’s a real concern. A child could get knocked down. Also, what about car accidents because the parking is so severe?”

The Loughton Residents Association are against the proposed development and previously told the Guardian Series that the pub should be considered an asset to the community.

David Linnell of the Loughton Residents Association Plans Action group, said: “The LRA plans group welcomes the attempt to preserve the original building, but we think the current proposals would be a significant over-development of the site, and would add to the already considerable weekday daytime local parking problems.”

A planning inspector is considering responses to the application, with a consultation running until May 12.