Redbridge Council has agreed an advertising contract with French multinational JCDecaux for 20 ad boards across the borough, including three in Wanstead.
The free-standing LCD screens have been described by the advertising company as “simple and understated, preventing them from dominating the space”.
But Katriye Ibrahim, who has lived in Wanstead for 32 years, has claimed that the boards will “destroy the character” of the high street, which is part of a designated conservation area.
“I’m really worried about how Wanstead is changing,” she explained.
“We moved here because of the status of the conservation area but it’s just been eroded over time with illuminated shopfronts and these advertising boards popping up.
“The high street is beginning to be really cluttered – it’s looking like Piccadilly Circus.”
She also said that the she believed the advertising contract was not in the best interests of local people, but rather a “money-making venture” for the council.
The impact the new boards would have on people using the pavement and local wildlife should be considered before planning approval is granted, Ms Ibrahim added.
Her other concern was the types of adverts that would be displayed by the screens, claiming that the existing boards sometimes promote gambling.
A Redbridge spokesperson has now confirmed that the advertising contract will provide income for the council.
They added: “Details of the contract involving a commercial third party remain confidential.
“This contract, while benefiting the council financially, also makes a significant social impact.
“It includes air monitoring, free wi-fi on some sites, an annual contribution to promoting the Redbridge Apprenticeship scheme, funding local charities, and money to help local businesses advertise.”
There are at least two planning applications for new boards in the high street that have already been submitted to the council by JCDecaux.
One would be placed close to Hegy Walk-in Clinic and the other near Boots Pharmacy.
Full details of the plans can be found on Redbridge Council’s planning portal, under references 2792/24 and 2794/24.
JCDecaux did not respond to a request for comment.
