Epping Forest publishes local plan

Papers for the Epping Forrest DC Cabinet Meeting next week (October 6) have been published online. You can view the agenda and papers here. The meeting will discuss the draft Local Plan and approve it to go to Full Council on October 18 for approval to be published for Regulation 18 public consultation.

The Co-op Member Board (consisting of East Herts, Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford) have identified a Preferred Spacial Option to provide 51,100 new homes during the plan period (2011-2033) split:

• East Hertfordshire District Council c. 18,000
• Epping Forest District Council c. 11,400
• Harlow District Council c. 9,200
• Uttlesford District Council c. 12,500

Of the total, 16,100 are strategic sites around Harlow (adjoining Harlow but in neighbouring planning authorities). Of this total, Epping Forest has allocated 3,900 to the north of the district abutting Harlow to the south, north-east and west (Latton Priory – 1,000, West Sumners – 1,000 West Katherines – 1,100 East of Harlow – 750, and Riddings Lane – 50). This will prove unpopular as Harlow Council only a few weeks ago passed a resolution ruling out any development to the south or west of the town.

Of Epping Forest’s total of 11,400, Harlow is by far the largest allocation with 3,900. Other allocations within the district include Chipping Ongar (600), Loughton (1,190), North Weald Bassett (1580) and Waltham Abbey (800).

The draft Local Plan will go out to consultation at the end of October, with publication of the pre-submission plan in the spring of next year. The plan is expected to be submitted late next year with examination in the spring of 2018 and adoption later that year.