THE quality of life in an area “will decline in the long term” if an application to build a tower block is approved, an objector claims.

Stephen Adams, who lives in Woodford Green, says an application to build a six-storey block of 28 flats in High Road, South Woodford, threatens the nearby conservation area and prices out younger people.

An application to build a five storey block was approved but the site was sold to Make 18 Ltd, who put in an application to Redbridge Council build another storey.

However, a spokesman on behalf of Forge Architects, described as the agent in the application, says the extra storey will be underground and that the applicant only wants to add seven more parking spaces.

Mr Adams rejected the Forge Architect’s spokesman’s claims.

He says: “It’s not what the application suggests. The proposal is to demolish existing structures and erect a six-storey building. We have got to put official opposition into this.”

Mr Adams claims plans do not take young people looking to buy their own homes in the town into consideration.

The planning opponent says: “We want the whole application to be re-looked at in terms of its appropriateness.

“It’s opposite a cluster of heritage assets and is on a congested corner of the high street. There are no plans for infrastructure around these developments.

“There seems to be no affordable housing within the development. People say it’s nimby-ism but developers have to benefit local residents so it’s a shame affordable housing hasn’t been put there.

“Young people who have grown up there should be able to buy a place and stay in the area. I think we are passing an opportunity because there aren’t many plots in the area like it.”

Mr Adams would feel “saddened” if the application was approved and that the area would suffer.

The 27-year-old says: “I would be saddened if the council approved the application because it would damage the character of the area and open the door to similar proposals in the future.

“I do think the quality of life will decline in the long term. This block of flats won’t in itself but it chips away of the character of the area and sets a precedent for further developments.”

Now, campaigners have amassed 1,708 signatures for a petition calling on the council’s planning committee to reject the application.

Click here to view the petition.

The Guardian has approached Make 18 Ltd for comment.