A community group is “vehemently” opposing proposals to bring three famous London markets to the borough.

Redbridge Council put in a bid to give a new home to New Spitalfields, Billingsgate, Smithfields markets earlier this month and, if successful, the venture could see £500,000 worth of business rates brought to the borough every year.

The three markets between them would be on one site in Fairlop ward, a site campaigners say is inappropriate due to its greenbelt designation.

Campaign group Aldborough Hatch Defence Association (AHDA) wants to protect green spaces in the area and said they “vehemently oppose” the plans.

The group argued the area pinpointed for development is on 162 acres of farmland on the Hainault and Red House Farms on Hainault Road, Little Heath – all part of London’s green belt.

The group cited the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan who previously described the greenbelt as “sacrosanct”.

AHDAs believe the development would have a “devastating” impact on residents and wildlife.

Jenny Chalmers, AHDA’s chairman, said: “The green lungs of London must be protected at all costs.”

The group added traffic would be a major problem following the development’s completion that would add to the existing congestion in the area, causing more dust, noise and pollution nearby.

AHDA is also sceptical about claims that 3,500 local jobs would be created by the move, suggesting experienced market specialist staff would transfer to the area, meaning few opportunities would be made available for local people.

Part of the proposed site, Fairlop Plain, is also registered as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and campaigners fear any development would “set a precedent for further erosion of the nature of the greenbelt.”

A council spokesman said: “We believe our proposals will have a hugely beneficial impact on the borough, not least the thousands of jobs that would be created, but we are conscious some people may have concerns.

“That’s why we are making every effort to involve residents by running public engagement events for them to ask questions and get more information. There is no mention in our plans about housing on this site and the planning position we’re promoting wouldn’t make that possible either.”

The spokesman confirmed the site’s greenbelt status and added that the authority’s plan to deliver a carbon neutral, eco-development will give a net increase in wildlife habitat in the area.

They added: “We are considering issues around traffic closely. One option we’re looking at to help control traffic is an upgrade to Hainault Road and the junction with the A12 to alleviate the current issues and provide capacity for any market traffic.

“We are also talking to the City of London about how any market related traffic would be managed to avoid HGVs and rat running on local roads. These issues will all be looked into and discussed though the engagement sessions so we encourage residents to come along to one of the events to find out more and ask questions.”