Epping Green Space Under Threat: Society Raises Concerns Over Mill Mound Fields Housing Proposal

Mill Mound

The Epping Society is encouraging local residents to submit comments regarding development proposals at Mill Mound Fields (MMFs), following Epping Forest District Council’s decision that a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required and amid ongoing concerns about the future of the site.

The proposed scheme for up to 125 residential dwellings on land west of Stonards Hill continues to generate opposition from the Society, which warns of the potential loss of valued open space and increasing pressure on local infrastructure.

While the EIA screening decision has already been made and cannot now be opposed, the related appeal process is currently accepting written representations until 11 June.

Residents wishing to comment can do so here: Planning Appeal Comments Page

Concerns Over Cumulative Development

The Society has criticised the decision not to require a full EIA, arguing that the cumulative effect of nearby developments has not been properly assessed.

Charles Geddes, the Society’s Planning & Development Appraisal lead, highlighted that other significant potential schemes - including Stewards Green Fields (around 600 dwellings) and Old Pastures (around 80 dwellings) - were not referenced in the screening opinion. Combined with existing Local Plan allocations, the Society estimates that potential growth in Epping could total approximately 1,500 dwellings.

The Society argues that this scale of development could place substantial pressure on roads, schools, healthcare services and transport links, including the Central line to Epping, which already experiences peak-time overcrowding.

Ecology Concerns

Environmental concerns also remain central to objections. EFDC’s Planning Committee previously refused a separate application for the “change of use to the keeping of horses for recreational purposes” in October 2025, citing concerns over ecological damage to the site.

The Society says the land supports important wildlife habitats, including birds of prey such as red kites, buzzards, kestrels and owls.

Dispute Over Public Access

The developer is currently appealing the refusal of the horse-use application. The Epping Society argues that the proposal could restrict longstanding public access to the land and affect ongoing Public Rights of Way and Asset of Community Value considerations.

The Society further states that introducing horses onto land crossed by established public paths could create safety concerns for walkers and nearby residents.

Reaffirming its support for a “brownfield first” planning approach, the Epping Society says it remains opposed to further loss of Green Belt land and is encouraging residents to engage with the current appeal process.

“The future of Epping’s green setting depends on informed public participation and protecting valuable environmental spaces for future generations,” the Society said.