Petition update: 1,000 signatures calling for an end to special measures on EFDC
On 15 June 2026 the Government placed Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) into planning special measures. That means developers of major schemes can bypass the Council and take applications straight to the Planning Inspectorate, with no local right of appeal.
Please sign our petition now by clicking below.
The Epping Society launched a petition asking the Government to reverse that decision. On 19 October 2026 the petition passed 1,000 signatures. The next goal is 2,000.
What our MP said
Epping Forest MP Dr Neil Hudson told the House of Commons recently
"Outrageously, the government has stripped Epping Forest District Council of the sole local right to determine major planning applications. This means that my constituents will have major planning decisions taken by central government and not by our local council. ... Will the Secretary of State step in and reverse this awful planning policy decision, which is a complete affront to local democracy?"
Why it still matters
Under special measures, local councillors and residents have less say over what gets built in our towns, villages and Green Belt. The Society continues to urge people to sign and share the petition so the Government can see that local planning decisions should stay local.
Please add your name today, and ask a friend or neighbour to do the same.
Taking planning powers away from our elected local council is an affront to democracy, and residents deserve better.
The Epping Society
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