EPPING SOCIETY STATEMENT ON GREY BELT THREATS.
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
The Epping Society – ‘Grey belt’ threats
As most local residents are aware the Green Belt around Epping is under threat from developers. One of the ‘tactics’ the developers will use in their proposal for building is that this land is now designated ‘grey belt’ and no longer protected as Green Belt.
A useful overview of the changes the classification of ‘grey belt’ can be found on this Local Government Presentation PowerPoint Presentation
The Savills Blog – In Plain English: The grey belt is also useful. Savills Blog | In Plain English: The grey belt
Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) who are currently responsible for local planning decisions (until the proposed reorganisation into Mid-Essex Council takes place) did a review of the local Green Belt against the 5 purposes as defined below in 2016.
Green Belts serve five purposes, as set out in paragraph 80 of the NPPF: 1. to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas; 2. to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another; 3. to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; 4. to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and 5. to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.
Their report in two documents is here - Stage 1 was done in 2015.
The areas around Epping are within the details of these reports.
EFDC have now tasked Arup to repeat this assessment for ‘grey belt’ designation, which is only required to meet purposes 1, 2 & 4 of the NPPF as directed by the government (& also funded by them). b2 rev Questions for EFDC LCLC meeting - Planning response Sep 2025 FINAL.pdf
We await the results of this report.
In the meantime, CPRE have a petition which can be found here
The Epping Society is against any further land being removed from the protection of the Green Belt designation for development, even if it is designated ‘grey belt’.
South Epping unfortunately was not given Green Belt designation and protection in the Local Plan and that with the developments in Epping Town Centre meets our housing targets.
Epping Society November 2025
On another subject entirely, The Epping Society Invites all members plus a guest to join us for Mulled wine and Mince Pies at 7pm on Monday 24th November. That is in just 2 weeks time. So why not get your Christmas festivities off to a convivial start and get your free ticket by clicking the link below. If you are not a member, simply click the 'join' button below. Membership is from only £5 for a whole year. After joining you can register for your ticket. We are looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible.
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