The approval of a plan by the deputy leader of Epping Forest Council's to build houses on the green belt has been heavily criticised. 

Cllr Syd Stavrou, who is also the finace portfolio holder, is to build five homes at Pine Lodge in Lippitts Hill.

The proposal to replace her stable was approved by the District Development Committee last month, leading to fears it could set a precendent for development on protected land.

The committee decided housing would have no greater impact on the green belt than the existing buildings on the site.

The proposal was opposed by environmental group Friends of Epping Forest, which said the site on the edge of Epping Forest was of scientific importance and development would lead to the loss "a loss of natural fauna".

A spokesperson said: “If the decline in horsekeeping results in a rash of residential development, there are significant implications.

"Every field shelter and tack room is now a potential development opportunity.”

Margaret Davis, 72, a former nurse who has lived in the area for 40 years, said the development would be “horrendous”.

“We weren’t told anything about it until it was already approved," she said.

“We can hardly get ourselves down the hill so I don’t know how they will bring up materials. 

"The roads are so thin and it will increase the traffic, we will struggle to get out.”

An Essex Area Ramblers spokesman said the development was “totally unacceptable”.

He said: “The development is wholly out of character with the area, which is noted for horse riding.

“It would encourage others, thereby altering the special ambience of High Beech. 

"It is infilling of the worst kind.”

Jim Sharp, a resident of the nearby Elms Caravan Park, said: “We moved out here for a bit of peace and quiet.

"Developers will love this.

"Once it is approved on green belt land what is stopping every stable around here being turned into housing?

“We just do not have the infrastructure here for five more million pound houses.”

Councillor Stavrou, who represents Waltham Abbey High Beech ward, has regularly voiced residents' concerns over noise created by the nearby Metropolitan Police helicopter base, which is due to close next year.

She said last year: “The residents understand the importance of the aircraft in protecting national security but they don’t want the buzzing to disturb them at night or when they are sunbathing in Summer.”