Opponents to a proposed 80-space commuter car park have claimed there would be “no control” over safety issues if it is built without proper consultation.

Transport for London (TfL) will discuss its plans for the new car park, adjacent to Theydon Bois Tube station, with Epping Forest district councillors tonight (May 13).

If successful, TfL will be able to build the new car park on green belt land it owns directly east of the station without full planning permission, relying on Victorian legislature which critics claim is insufficient for the development.

Groups opposing the plan have raised a number of issues, including concerns that access from the 60mph Abridge Road on to Station Hill could be dangerous and lead to serious injuries or deaths if plans go ahead without a full transport assessment.

Theydon Bois Parish Council commissioned an independent report on the plans, concluding they should not go ahead without full safety consultation.

Council vice chairman Peter Gooch said: “There may well be a case to be made for an additional car park, but what we need to take account of is: ‘is there safe access?’

“Are you going to endanger people’s lives by not having any control over the access?”

Opponents to the plans have been joined by Darren Johnson, a Green party member of the London Assembly, who said: “I hope the council rejects this unacceptable proposal for an 80-space commuter car park on green belt land.

“Furthermore, it is likely to have far wider impacts on the local community, such as contributing to local congestion and air pollution.”

He added: “While I want to see genuine improvements to our tube network, this is not about public transport improvements, it is merely about creating more space for cars.”

Theydon Bois Action Group (TBAG) have opposed the plan claiming it is unsuitable in Theydon Bois as an “urban feature”.

TBAG chair Dr John Warren will speak against TfL at tonight’s meeting.

He declined to comment on the plan itself, claiming TfL have been undemocratic.

He said: “There should be a full planning application submitted so that all aspects of the car park can be considered and all third party comments can come forward.

“We are asking for a proper democratic planning process to be adhered to by TfL.”

TfL have been contacted for comment.

The plans will be discussed by Epping Forest District Council at 7.30pm in the Civic Offices.