A controversial bid to build 45 homes on green belt land is inappropriate for the proposed site, council planners have concluded ahead of a decisive vote.

Epping Forest District Council will tomorrow consider the application by Giovanni Abella for the site he owns in St Leonard’s Road, Nazeing.

As well as concerns over the green belt, a planning report concludes the plan does not include enough affordable housing and would result an “unacceptable degree of hazard to all road users”.

Nazeing parish councillors voted in favour of the plans last month, citing the inclusion of sports facilities and a village hall as a strong factor in the decision.

The proposal would also include new drop-off point for parents at the often-congested Nazeing Primary School.

However, people living nearby are strongly against the development, claiming there is a lack of village infrastructure and the homes would be an added flood risk. 

Harlow MP Robert Halfon is also opposed to application and has asked the Leader of the House of Commons, William Hague, to look into the proposal.

Recent work to the west of the site excavated 32 cremation burials and found evidence of prehistoric activity in the Nazeing area, meaning a full archaeological survey would have to be carried out.

The vote will take place at the Civic Offices in High Street, Epping, tomorrow at 7.45 pm.