A PETITION has been started against the designs for a Tesco supermarket and housing development.

The Highams Park Society, Highams Park Forum and the Residents' Association will be going door to door in the next few weeks to collect signatures calling for a scaled down design for the proposed 'Highams Green' development in Larkshall Road.

Sandeep Christian of the The Highams Park Society said: “I don't have anything against having a Tesco, just the size of it.

“At the moment we can only agree with the current plan or object, but three local societies say it is not the right design for Highams Park.”

Residents have until Wednesday, August 19, to submit letters of support or objection to the council, although the council may consider submissions after this date.

The petition will be handed the council when the plans go before the planning committee on September 8.

But some residents say that holding the consultation during the summer period when many people, including key councillors and council officers are on holiday, is unfair to residents.

Sue Lees, of Beech Hall Road, said: “All the letters were sent out on July 30 when everybody is away and we didn't even get a letter even though we wrote a letter of objection.

“I'm going to complain to the council about holding it in August because I think it is quite cynical. I feel the general public don't really know what is happening.”

At a public meeting last October, many Highams Park residents agreed that they welcome having a supermarket, but not on the scale it has been designed - with a four-storey supermarket, car park and 260 homes.

But others who are less mobile say they want a supermarket on their doorstep.

Linda Smith, 42, of Handsworth Road, Highams Park, said: “I am a dialysis patient and find it very hard to get to a supermarket.

"I have to rely on someone taking me or doing my shopping for me, so I think it would be a good thing.”

Harold Deacon, 89, of Hale End Road, Highams Park, said: “My wife is in favour because she thinks there will be more choice of produce and possibly cheaper than what we have already.”