A DEAL has finally been struck on conditions applying to a controversial large Tesco development, paving the way for building work to begin.

The supermarket giant and the council have for 13 months been locked in negotiations over the section 106 agreement for a 24-hour superstore and 253 flats on industrial land off Larkshall Road in Highams Park.

A briefing document sent by the authority to councillors states Tesco has promised to contribute more than £2.1 million towards local schools, health services, the transport network and public art.

This is in line with the original proposals approved by councillors And explaining why it has taken so long for agreement to be reached, a spokesman for the company said: “We had to iron out the details and that takes time.”

The community was split over the plans with some claiming it would destroy the area’s character and others insisting it would boost the local economy.

Work on foundations started on the site in September last year and building work is set to begin in the summer, lasting just over a year.

Adrian Stannard of Waltham Forest Civic Society said the council should have pressurised Tesco to tackle the anticipated traffic problems which he fears will add to congestion around a nearby railway crossing.

A Tesco spokesman said it has considered all issues in its planning application and has consulted with all relevant traffic authorities, but did not reveal whether any specific action is to be taken over the crossing.

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter