2:43pm Friday 20th February 2009
Highams Park will 'die' if plans for a new Tesco superstore are approved, Iain Duncan Smith MP has warned.
But the supermarket giant insists the future of the area is bleak unless its proposal is accepted.
Mr Duncan Smith believes Highams Park will not receive regeneration promised as part of a new supermarket development.
He also accused Tesco of dishonesty for misleading residents.
However, Tesco says it fears for the future of the area if the proposed store is refused.
The Chingford MP today (Friday) discussed the proposed plans with architect Jonathan Collins and a Tesco representative at the proposed site.
He said: "What I don't buy is that Highams Park will be regenerated. People will come and park in the Tesco car park and when they are finished get in their cars and drive back to where they live.
"They won't shop at the shops nearby because they will be able to buy newspapers, bottles of wine and other necessities at Tesco.
"Highams Park as we know it will die. The traders round about the proposed site may think they will get extra business but I don't buy it.
"Tesco have been dishonest because I don't believe Highams Park will get the regeneration Tesco says it will."
The Highams Park Society, the Highams Park Forum and the Highams Park Residents' Association are opposed to the store.
But some local traders are hoping the store will be approved and bring in new business.
The retail giant has submitted plans to the council to build a 24-hour store in an industrial estate off Larkshall Road.
The proposals also include 260 homes, which include affordable and rented accommodation around public green space, seven independent shops facing Larkshall Road, 350 underground car parking spaces and offices, workshops and business start-up units.
A Tesco spokesman said: "I fear for the future of Highams Park if we don't get permission. The store will bring new jobs and affordable homes at time of economic uncertainty.
"I believe that traders will benefit from new trade because of the new store, if it goes ahead, and Highams Park will be regenerated."
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