Opposition councillors have emphasised the need for the Labour-led council to listen carefully to residents in the upcoming consultation for the borough’s new local plan.

A draft copy of the document is due to be published this summer and will set out how many homes will be built in the next four years.

During a meeting on Tuesday, councillors say they tried to discuss reviving Chingford high streets, instead of splitting them up with residential developments.

Instead, Conservatives claim council officers reverted talks to development plans in the north of the borough, saying there would be “big development changes” there.

Opposition councillors want to ensure the council takes the public consultation seriously.

Conservative Cllr Emma Best, of Endlebury ward, said: “Our Labour council really needs to listen to Chingford residents during the local plan consultation. Early comments from officers seem focused on Chingford preparing for ‘big development changes’ with comments about breaking up high streets with residential development.

“I’m concerned about what this will mean, we’ve all seen the mess they’ve made of the Mall regeneration in an area where they have councillors and an MP and should really understand the needs and wants of the local population.

“We’re determined to hold the administration to account across the borough and make sure Waltham Forest produces a sensible yet aspirational local plan. The council need to urgently establish a panel dedicated to overseeing the local plan to help deal with the challenges to come.”

A council spokesman said: “The Growth Scrutiny Committee held its first meeting of the municipal year on Tuesday June 19, where councillors could talk through priorities for 2018 / 19 with officers to inform the forward plan for the year. No proposals were discussed at this meeting, either for Chingford or elsewhere in the borough.

“Any proposals for developments in Waltham Forest will be subject to extensive public consultation. We will publicise consultations on our website, on our social media channels, and through the local press and the Waltham Forest News.”