A community campaign has been launched opposing permission given to the deputy leader of Epping Forest District to demolish 200-year-old stables and build houses on green belt land.

A petition against the plan by Cllr Syd Stavrou for the development at Pine Lodge in Lippitts Hill, High Beach, also known as Springfield Farm, has attracted 200 signatures.   

The plans, which were approved by the district council in February, include five large houses and garages replacing the historic stables.

Campaigners say many people living nearby did not learn of the plan until approval was given and fear it could pave the way for further development of the green belt.

Many also argue the riding school on the site is an integral part of the area.

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

Epping Forest Guardian:

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

At an Epping Forest Riders Association Annual General Meeting last week, residents expressed their shock over the plan.

One resident said: “This is the first I have heard of the development and I ride my horse around the area almost every day.

“It is wrong. I cannot bear to see the riding school pulled down, it is part of High Beach.”

Bobbie Bulman, was the former owner of the stables who sold the land to Cllr Stavrou.

She said: “I had so many people calling me where they were worried about the development when it was proposed.

“When the plans were approved I was in shock. I cannot sleep at night.

“The land and the stables, which I taught the likes of the drummer for The Who (Keith Moon), Kenney Jones, David Essex and three-time gold medal paralympian, Anne Dunham, to ride in will be ruined.

“Vehicles used to build the houses will have to use the small lanes which lead to the property and then they will have to cross green belt land.

“We need to put a stop to this. By approving this development the council have set a precedent for development.

“The area has already lost two of the stables in the area.

“We cannot afford to lose a third for houses that will not even be affordable for people who live in the area.”