Waltham Abbey Community Campaigns are protesting against the proposed Next plc distribution centre

In May Next Plc announced it had bought land north of Dowding Way in Waltham Abbey, with detailed proposals for a clothing distribution warehouse published the following month.

With Epping Forest District Council soon to consider the application, the Waltham Abbey Community Campaigns group has been hitting the streets and drumming up objectors.

As well as collecting more than 1,000 signatures on a petition, members have been drumming up honks as they present their 'Say no to Next' banner on the town's roundabouts and streets.

For Liam Lakes, a chartered surveyor who lives in Dowding Way, the build would at least have a significant visual impact on his day-to-day life.

He said: "I live a few hundred metres from the site.

"No one has found out how big this project is going to be. It is on top of a hill.

"They are going to bring the land up a couple of metres and then build up. It is going to be absolutely massive. You will be able to see it for miles around."

As well as objections to the physical presence of the 21m high warehouse, Mr Lakes is concerned about traffic and the impact of the incoming jobs.

He added: ""There will be so much traffic driving through these roads so air quality is going to be a problem. It is going to be twice as bad.

"These jobs will be picking product up for minimum wage. It is going to fall to the council to provide social housing for the workers."

As part of their campaign, the group has attempted to show a lack demand for these kinds of jobs in the area by highlighting long-term warehouse worker vacancies on jobs websites.

When asked about the number of jobs and how highly-skilled they would be, a spokesperson for Next said: “The investment proposals for Waltham Abbey will generate up to 955 jobs, including up to 325 fulltime jobs in the first phase which will be owned and operated by Next.

"This is a strategically important site that will put the district at the cutting edge of the distribution sector, deliver a variety of roles including managers, drivers, administrators and warehouse operatives, and provide extensive opportunities for apprenticeships, training and progression within Next.

"Next rewards all employees with fair and competitive salaries, along with the opportunity for bonuses linked to company and individual performances."

As for the transport concerns, the spokesperson said Next was committed to funding "a new and innovative Demand Responsive public bus service" and pedestrian and cycle links, with cash provided for local road improvements.

They added: "We will also agree a routing strategy with Epping Forest District Council to restrict and minimise heavy vehicle movements through residential streets and put in place a sustainable travel plan which encourages staff with financial incentives not to travel to work by car.”

To lodge an objection and sign the petition, go to walthamabbeycampaigns.org.uk/next