**NEWSFLASH - MAJOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS PLANNED FOR EPPING**

What’s Happening Around Epping?

Major New Housing Proposals – What You Need to Know

The Epping Society wants to make residents aware of several large developments being proposed around our town. Together, these could increase Epping’s size by almost half - or even more - putting big pressure on local roads, services and Epping Forest.

Current and Potential Development Sites

1. South Epping (SEMPA) – Between Flux’s Lane, Brook Road, Ivy Chimneys Road and the M25.

   In the Local Plan, but housing numbers were reduced after objections. Planning applications are expected soon.

2. Old Pastures – South of Stonards Hill Recreation Ground down to the railway.

   Green Belt, not in the Local Plan. Recently fenced off to stop long-term public use. Public Rights of Way applications have been submitted.

3. Mill Mounds Fields – Between Stonards Hill, Theydon Grove and Kendal Avenue.

   Green Belt, not in the Local Plan. A recent application to keep horses was refused on 29 October because of concerns about environmental damage. Residents have applied to register paths as Public Rights of Way, and the Town Council - with our support - is working to list these fields as Assets of Community Value.

4. Stewards Green Fields - developer described as “Land East of Epping” Between The Orchards, Bower Hill and Stewards Green Road, crossed by the Essex Way.

   
   

   Green Belt, not in the Local Plan. A developer has begun early consultation on plans for major housing.

5. Also, if 4. is allowed there are several fields Northward toward the tube line, which we reckon could then be classified as “infill”, considered suitable for development. Also Green Belt, not in Local Plan.

If approved, these sites together cover about 80 hectares (197 acres) - nearly half the size of today’s town.

New Planning Application – “Land East of Epping” (EPF/2120/25)

Stewards Green Fields. The developer has asked the Council to decide if a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is needed before applying for permission.

What’s suggested so far:

• Around 400 new homes

• Around 200 extra-care homes

• Possible small retail or nursery

• “Country park” green space (about 8.8 hectares)

• New access from Stewards Green Road

Why Residents Are Concerned

• Green Belt: The site is protected countryside, not allocated for housing.

• Epping Forest: Development would add pollution, traffic and visitor pressure to the Forest, already under strain.

• Cumulative Impact: Other nearby schemes - Old Pastures, Mill Mounds Fields, SEMPA and more - must be considered together.

• No Need: The Council already meets housing targets. This extra site isn’t required.

• Infrastructure: Local services (roads, doctors, schools) are already stretched beyond capacity.

What You Can Do

• Comment on application EPF/2120/25: Planning Application: EPF/2120/25

  Visit the Epping Forest District Council planning portal, search for EPF/2120/25, and use the “Make a Comment” button.

• You can also email appcomments@eppingforestdc.gov.uk and the allocated Planning Officer MRahman@eppingforestdc.gov.uk , quoting the application number and including your name and address.

• Take part in other public consultations.

• Contact your councillors and share your views.

• Support the Epping Society eppingsociety.org  in protecting the Green Belt and Epping Forest.

Together we can help shape Epping’s future - before it’s too late.