A residents’ group has defended working in consultation with a housing developer on plans to build 1,280 homes on the site of Goodmayes Tesco.

Weston Homes has been consulting with Seven Kings and Newbury Park Residents Association on plans for the site which, after initially being rejected, were amended and resubmitted last month.

The plans will see the current 10.4-acre store on High Road redeveloped into a mixed-use site, with a new primary school and a village hall.

David Stephens, chairman of Seven Kings Residents’ Association confirmed the group had held “several meetings” with Weston Homes.

Mr Stephens said “What we have to recognise is that the Tesco site is listed in the Local Development Plan as an opportunity site for residential development.

“Saying ‘we don't want it’ will achieve nothing. Instead we should be looking at how the scheme proposals may be altered for the better.

“It also has to be noted that some of Weston Homes original proposals, which we considered reasonable, are being blocked by the GLA and Redbridge Council to the potential detriment of people living in the locality.”

Weston Homes has also been working in consultation with Goodmayes Residents’ Association.

In April this year, more than 100 residents gathered at a meeting at St Paul’s Church Community Centre to oppose the initial plans.

Weston Homes have reduced the number of homes from 1,400 and the design of the landmark tower has been revised in order to make it slender “reducing the visual impact”.

Plans include 414 affordable homes, 35 per cent of the development, with a combination of social rented, shared ownership and discounted market sale homes.

A new 3-form primary school and a “community led” village hall are included in the update plans.

The plans will go before a council planning committee early next year.