A CAMPAIGN against a high-rise development near Walthamstow Central station is to be stepped up.

Residents in nearby Priory Avenue have launched a petition against the proposals and plan to protest outside Waltham Forest Town Hall.

A public meeting to discuss the development, which is also opposed by residents in other nearby streets, will take place later this month.

Sally Stephens, chairwoman of the Priory Avenue Residents’ Association, said: “We are not against development, we are against inappropriate developments.

“We started going door-to-door last night with the petition.

A lot of people didn't know about the development or the extent of it.

“We have had a good response from residents and they are supporting us.

“We want them to know what it will mean for the area.

“There are Victorian houses here and there will be towers overshadowing us.

“The massive hotel and blocks of flats will absolutely dwarf the neighbouring streets.

“It will create a massive problem with parking, and have a huge impact on the local schools with the extra children.”

“We are working with other residents' associations and speaking to local residents.

“We will be protesting on behalf of those opposed to it. People are not happy at all.”

Solum Regeneration, which is a partnership between Kier Property and Network Rail, has submitted revised plans for the £15 million scheme in the station’s car park, which includes a 12-storey block of flats, a hotel and five new shops.

Solum insists the development will “vastly” improve the area, which it says is not pedestrian-friendly or attractive.

A spokesman said: "The new station public square will create a new sense of space and provide a unique and distinct character more appropriate to a town centre as a commercial, residential and transport hub."

"The proposals provide an important opportunity to revitalise a central town centre location, provide a quality place in which to live, work and visit that will support local jobs, strengthen the town centre and deliver an economic investment.

The public meeting will take place on Tuesday October 12 at the community centre in Priory Avenue, Walthamstow, from 7pm.

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