The district council in Epping Forest has moved to make its position on a site earmarked for development clearer after a number of ‘discussions’ on social media.

Yesterday, a statement went out about the St John’s Road site in Epping.

Past plans for the seven acre site in the heart of the town include a supermarket – although for several years residents have been calling for more leisure facilities.

The site is owned by three separate organisations.

Essex County Council is the major land owner with property including the library and the former school.

Epping Forest District Council is the next largest owner with the Housing depot.

Epping Town Council has its parish office in St John’s Road.

St John’s Church is the other major land owner in the area. It has been consulted on the ideas for the surrounding area but is not a direct part of the main proposals.

A council statement said it is ‘important to try to avoid piecemeal development’ but gave no hint as to what they are discussing.

The statement said: “Over the last couple of years, the three organisations as land owners have therefore been trying to produce a joint development brief which would enabled the co-ordinated redevelopment of this area.

“The development brief is not a planning application or planning permission. The development brief has been progressing at a steady pace.”

During the statement it is implied that a decision could soon be made although there will be a long wait before plans are revealed.

St John’s is due to be discussed by members of the Epping Forest District Council Cabinet on July 21 although councilors warn that it is ‘likely’ to be in private.