Controversial plans for a major regeneration project have been approved despite public anger about the loss of a green “oasis” used by the community.

At a high level district development meeting of Epping Forest District Council last night (November 30), councillors backed the “outline application” for a swimming pool, health centre and over-55’s housing at Hillhouse, in the Ninefields Estate in Waltham Abbey.

The plan currently contains few designs or details, but the approval means the project – from the district council, Essex County Council and the NHS – is supported in principle.

Support was given despite a public petition with 800 signatures opposing the loss of much of the Hillhouse field.

Speaking at the meeting, objector Stephen Kipps said: “People use it to teach their children to ride bikes, the children play cricket, football.

“People use model aircraft there.

“Women feel safe running around it because it’s flanked by houses and even the local children’s centre use it for a mother and pram exercise area.

“People walk their dogs, and yes there are a small minority of poor dog owners but on the whole it’s responsible people who use this area.

“We think that to lose it would be just terrible.

“It’s the village green of Ninefields, which is quite a populated area and this is like an oasis to us.”

He also claimed that vehicles using the three new facilities would cause a traffic “nightmare”.

The applicant’s agent, named as Mr Wood at the meeting, defended the project and claimed a “substantial amount” of the site would remain as open space, including a planned mini-football pitch.

The Ninefields community centre will also be replaced.

The over-55’s housing would provide places for 60 people, each receiving six hours of care a week.

Ward councillor David Dorrell spoke at the meeting, saying: “I think the scheme has a great deal of merit in parts.

“I think there are also significant problems with it.

“I believe that the area is in desperate need of regeneration.

“The community centre is derelict, there are problems with antisocial behaviour around the area as a result and it really does need an overhaul and I don’t think anybody would object to either the leisure centre or the medical centre if that was as far as it went.”

However, he added, many people think the housing plan is too big.

A large majority of councillors ultimately supported the proposal, including David Stallan, who said the area needs “a lot of re-enhancement”.

More detailed applications will need approval before work starts on the development.