Areas bordering Epping could take the “biggest hit” of new homes under the Local Plan, according to Epping Forest District Council.

As action groups across the district gear up for a battle to oppose development, the Guardian can reveal that it is the Epping borders which are likely to see the most development in the next few years.

Today, Ian White, Epping Forest District Council’s Forward Planning Officer, said the only area large enough to take thousands of new residents is around the Harlow border.

He said: “Absolutely no decisions have been taken on what that distribution will be, that is for later on in the process. That is something that people should be reminded of.

“The one area in the district that might take that sort of hit would be around the border we share with Harlow - west and south west, and east of Harlow. That is quite an extensive area.

“We want to try and make sure that development is sustainable. We hope to be able to develop at settlements which can support it because of the services that they already have.”

During an October 31 cabinet meeting the outcome of a population forecast will be discussed. 

A cabinet meeting on October 31 has been earmarked as when the number of houses to be built in each area will be revealed.

Mr White said that although the meeting could potentially be very important for the Local Plan, no decisions are being rushed.

He said: “We hope at the session that the numbers will help to make decisions on what the housing target will have to be.

“The next stage is what is called the preferred options consultation. That will be a draft plan with draft policies.

“We would like to reassure people that absolutely no decisions have been made.”