A petition has been launched in opposition to proposals for a distribution warehouse.

In May clothing company Next Plc announced plans to build on land it owns by Dowding Way, Waltham Abbey.

A spokesperson for the company said the development would lead to a £40m investment in the area and 100 full time jobs.

Some Waltham Abbey residents are unhappy with the plans however.

On a petition started by Waltham Abbey Community Campaigns which has 200 signatures so far, a warning is made about increased levels of traffic and a loss of Great Belt land if the project went ahead.

It argues an extra 700 HGVs would be on the road everyday, leading to a reduction in air quality.

Signatory Sarah Millsom wrote: "I live in the area and feel there is already enough traffic generated with the lorries that enter and leave the Sainsbury’s depot.

"This depot is enough for the area, we do not need another one built.

"The congestion it will create will be too much for Waltham Abbey to cope with.

"The loss of the wildlife habitat will be detrimental to the species of animals that live there. This development is wrong and Waltham Abbey will not benefit from it in anyway."

To sign the petition go to tinyurl.com/y7nyqatj