Residents voice opposition to Highams Park Tesco development (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Residents voice opposition to Highams Park Tesco development

6:11pm Saturday 15th August 2009 in

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RESIDENTS have again voiced their opposition to a large Tesco development in Highams Park.

The supermarket giant hopes to build a new superstore, flats and business premises, which will change the face of the area

A website detailing the ambitious plan, which includes a virtual 'flythrough' of the proposed scheme, is now online.

But some residents have contacted the Guardian to renew calls for planning permission to be turned down.

They say the sophisticated public relations push ignores the devastating impact the so-called 'Highams Green' development on an industrial estate off Larkshall Road will have on the local community.

Highams Park residents are said to to be split over the Tesco plan.

But those who have contacted the Guardian have expressed concerns that the 'village feel' of the area will be destroyed.

Many fear an increase in traffic, especially close to the level crossing by Highams Park station, will be disruptive, destroy independent shops and increase pollution.

Rupert Stevens, of Warboys Crescent, Highams Park, said: "This development will be a disaster for those of us that actually live in the locality as there is bound to be a massive increase in traffic and pollution.

"In addition, our small local shops our bound to suffer as they will not be able to compete with Tesco's massive buying power."

A previous Tesco application was turned down and Jan Dent, of Coolgardie Avenue, has believes that, despite the money invested in selling the plans, more information should be available.

She said: "I was unable to find clear information on how the plans had changed from previous planning applications.

"I do not feel that this was a satisfactory way to make this important information available to residents as it was not clear and there was no oportunity to ask questions as the library staff were not in a position to provide any further information."

Chingford MP Iain Duncan Smith has said Highams Park 'will die' if the development goes ahead.

The plans can be viewed by visiting www.highamsdgreen.co.uk