REDBRIDGE Council is opposed to a plans for a large Tesco development in Highams Park.

The neighbouring authority claims that the shopping area in South Woodford would lose ten per cent of its trade if the development on industrial land off Larkshall Road goes ahead.

The decision on the application to build a 24-hour store, 253 homes, a 350-space underground car park, shops and rented space is due to be made on Tuesday, September 8.

An agenda for the meeting states Redbridge Council believes the development location contravenes its planning guidelines, those of Waltham Forest Council and government guidelines on building in town centres.

Tesco insist the development is the only way forward for the area.

A total of 159 objections to the plan, which is called Highams Green, were registered during a consultation process, while five individuals or bodies supported it.

Primary care trust NHS Waltham Forest is in favour of the development as it is in negotiations to open a polyclinic on the site.

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment also supports the plan, praising the ‘thoughtful design’.

Objectors believe the development will ruin the so-called village feel of area, undermine independent traders and bring in excess traffic.

A Crime prevention advisor for the Metropolitan Police has also expressed concerns that a path linking the development site with Aldriche Estate could be used as a rat-run by scooter and motorbikes riders.

Chingford MP Iain Duncan Smith, has warned that Highams Park ‘will die’ if the development goes ahead. He will chair a public meeting on the issue at Highams Park School, in Handsworth Avenue, on Wednesday, September 2, at 7.30pm.

A previous Tesco application to build on the site was blocked by then secretary of state for local government and communities Ruth Kelly, who ruled the previous plan was not in-keeping with its surroundings.

A Tesco spokeswoman said: "Spenhill, the regeneration arm of Tesco, has submitted a retail assessment as part of the development proposals for Highams Park.

"This assesses the impact a new store would have on the local and surrounding areas.

"This assessment has been checked not only by Waltham Forest Council officials but also by independent planning consultants, hired on behalf of the council, to review this work.What came out of this review is that the impact of Tesco is wholly acceptable.

"We are confident a new food store in Highams Park would benefit local residents and traders by encouraging shoppers to stay in the town."

A Waltham Forest Council spokeswoman said the authority declined to comment as Tesco's application was due to be discussed next week at the planning committee.