Protesters calling themselves ‘the forgotten people’ gathered to oppose plans for a huge redevelopment that could see 1,360 flats built on one site.

Families living near Tesco in High Road, Goodmayes, are demanding that developer Weston drops proposals for 22-storey high rises that could house up to 3,000 on land where the supermarket now sits.

The proposals for the site are still at an early stage, but campaigners from Reclaim Redbridge fear the development will bring more pollution and congestion and overstretch existing resources.

Protesters gathered outside the Tesco store on Monday evening (June 11) to make their opposition known.

Jignesh Patel, a campaigner, said: “The proposal would massively increase the density of an area that is already densely populated, which in turn will impact on the local amenities currently enjoyed by our community.”

Another, Zara Ahmed, added: “We are already stretched in terms on parking, doctors surgeries, dentists and schools. The proposal will bring the area to breaking point.”

Campaigners agree about the need for more social housing in Redbridge, but believe the council’s plans to build new homes across the south of the borough place an unfair burden on this area.

A spokesperson for the campaign added: “This doesn’t sit well with the forgotten people of south Redbridge.

“Sprinkle in pollution, crime and infrastructure issues, mix in the council leader who has yet to put a stake in the ground or provide his discontent and you end up with a very disgruntled, unhappy, angry and incentivised community.

“We are not going away so it’s best the council try and work with us. The feeling we have is ‘we will not forget’.

“This community is growing in its rage being made to feel forgotten and abandoned by the leadership.”

Campaigners also attended a Tesco Annual General Meeting held at Welwyn Garden City Head Office, just outside Hertford today.

One member of Reclaim Redbridge, Habiba Alli, went to ask Tesco representatives for their views on the Goodmayes development.

She said: “They need to address these problems as they have the potential to decapitate an already struggling community.”

A council spokesperson said: “Weston Homes have submitted a pre-application to the council which many developers and applicants use to help inform a formal planning application.

“This stage is still open and has not been concluded and should a formal submission of a planning application be made, lengthy engagement with residents and key stakeholders will take place to ensure they are fully consulted.

“The council are aware residents will have concerns on a proposal of this size so we would encourage local residents to participate fully with Weston’s engagement programme to ensure their views are taken into account.”