More than 1,700 people have objected to a planning application for a six-storey block of flats.

Developer MAKE 18’s designs for 142-146 High Road, South Woodford, in Churchfields ward are set to include 13 one-bedroom flats and 15 two-bedroom flats; three of which will be wheelchair accessible and 10 per cent of which will be affordable housing.

The site is close to the conservation area of Epping Forest and near two Grade II listed buildings, St Mary the Virgin’s Church and the Parish Church Memorial Hall.

So far, the planning application has received 54 formal notices of objection from those living nearby, along with an online petition of more than 1,700 signatures fighting the plans.

One objector is former Redbridge councillor, now Waltham Forest councillor, Emma Best who has objected to the plans because they are “out of keeping with the surrounding area” and she believes it will have a negative impact on the surrounding area.

Other worries raised by those living nearby include the “inappropriate” height of the building, loss of light to neighbouring properties, increased traffic and increased air pollution.

The proposed site is within 6.2km of the area of Special Area of Conservation at Epping Forest and members of the council’s planning committee have been advised to consider whether the development will have a “likely significant effect” on the area.

Cllr Stephen Adams, Conservative councillor for Churchfields ward, will be speaking at next week’s planning committee meeting discussing the application.

Cllr Adams set up the online petition against the proposals, which has so far gained 1,706 signatures.

He explained that some time ago, the council granted planning permission to one developer for a five storey building on the site, but before any work was done the site was sold on to another developer – MAKE 18 – the company behind the new planning application.

Cllr Adams said: “There are multiple issues with this site, it is in a conservation area, it is opposite historical buildings and graves at St Mary’s Church, there will not be enough parking spaces at the site and the design is not in proportion with the surroundings.

“Let me make this clear, we are not against building on the site, or even building flats on the site necessarily. I am not sure what stance I will take when I speak at the meeting next week yet, what I want to ensure is that the developers will not try to sneak any additional residential units into the extra storey and the building does not exceed the originally agreed height.

“What I may do is argue for certain conditions for the planning permission to be granted.”

A spokesman for Redbridge Council explained the authority consults on all planning applications without exception and confirmed that the decision regarding this particular application will be made on November 29.

They said: “The agenda and planning officer’s report have been published and the proposal has been considered in the context of the planning policies contained within the council’s new local plan adopted in March, including housing need, its impact on the surrounding area, car parking and other highway considerations, as well as any other material considerations.

“The objections received have also been considered in the officer’s report. As the Local Planning Authority the council has the power to determine this application.”