Sky News Investigation Places Epping Forest District Council 10th in councils most likely to reject Govt planning orders.
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
**Epping Forest and the Need for Sustainable Housing Choices**
The ancient woodland of Epping Forest and its surrounding semi-rural landscapes are irreplaceable assets that define the character of our district. The Epping Society believes strongly that new housing must be delivered in a truly sustainable way that respects these special qualities, rather than through blanket targets that risk permanent damage to the area’s environment and community life.
A recent Sky News investigation into planning appeals has highlighted Epping Forest District Council’s record in resisting unsuitable development. The report placed the council among those with the highest number of decisions overturned by the Planning Inspectorate since 2019, recording 13 such cases. While national data is incomplete, this figure underscores the frequency with which local planning judgements in Epping Forest have been tested against central government expectations.
Epping Forest District Council’s adopted Local Plan (2023) already commits the district to a substantial housing requirement of over 11,400 new homes between 2011 and 2033. In reality, delivery has often fallen well below annual targets, reflecting the very real constraints of extensive ancient woodland, green belt land and other protected landscapes that limit where development can appropriately take place.
Many residents feel the district has already contributed more than its fair share towards meeting housing needs, particularly when infrastructure – roads, schools, health services and drainage – struggles to keep pace with existing pressures.
The Epping Society supports the council’s efforts to scrutinise planning applications carefully and to refuse schemes that would cause unacceptable harm to the district’s character, traffic conditions, or environmental assets. Where refusals have been overturned on appeal, the resulting costs fall on local taxpayers and can delay more suitable forms of development. We believe the council is right to continue defending sensible planning decisions that prioritise long-term sustainability over short-term numerical targets but urge them to go further.
At a time when national policy continues to push for significantly higher rates of housebuilding – approaching 370,000 homes per year across England – it is vital that Epping Forest District Council maintains a firm stance.
The Society urges the council to push back further against unsustainable proposals that fail to respect the unique constraints and qualities of our area. Development should only proceed where it can be accommodated without eroding the green belt, harming the ancient forest, or overwhelming local services.
Protecting Epping Forest and its setting is not about opposing all housing; it is about ensuring that any new homes are of the right scale, in the right locations, and supported by adequate infrastructure. The Epping Society will continue to advocate for thoughtful stewardship of the district so that future generations can enjoy the same special environment that we value today.
The Sky News investigation serves as a timely reminder of the ongoing tension between national ambitions and local realities. For the well-being of Epping Forest and its residents, a more measured and locally sensitive approach to housing delivery remains essential.
(The Epping Society is non party political but will always say feel we mean regardless of party)
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