A PROTEST is to be held tomorrow in a bid to bolster the campaign against the planned Tesco development in Highams Park.

Campaigners will gather in Jubilee Avenue tomorrow (Friday) at 2pm and will be addressed by Chingford and Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith.

Organised by the Highams Park Society, Mr Duncan Smith is set to speak on his work in trying to keep the development from going ahead.

The Conservative MP has said he believes Highams Park will 'die' if Tesco succeed in going ahead with the plan, which was given permission earlier this month.

Sandeep Christian, of the Highams Park Society, said: “Iain Duncan Smith is coming to Highams Park because he wanted to address as many people as possible to let us know what he's done so far.

“There wasn't really time to book a hall for a public meeting, so he suggested we get people to assemble on the site.”

The plans include a 24-hour superstore and 250 new homes, to be built on a derelict industrial site, and Mr Christian has warned the homes will become 'the slums of the future'.

Others opposed to the plans have said they fear independent shops will lose trade and the area will become clogged with traffic.

Redbridge Council also objected to the plans, believing shoppers will be drawn away from retail in South Woodford.

Mr Christian added: “If you walk round Highams Park, you'll find it hard to find anyone who wants this.

“People here aren't the shouting, protesting types, but we're hoping people will come tomorrow.”

Protesters are set to start gathering from about 1.40pm and Mr Duncan Smith is set to arrive just before 2pm.

A spokesman for Tesco said: "Our proposals for Highams Park were recently approved by Waltham Forest Borough Council's planning committee.

"We have received substantial support from local residents and traders, including the Highams Park Traders for Regeneration who submitted a petition to the Council in support of the scheme.

"It is also important to recognise that our proposals are fully compliant with Waltham Forest Council's planning policies and that our application was recommended for approval by the Council's planning officers.

"We believe that this scheme will be beneficial to Highams Park and we look forward to being an active member of the community."

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