An application to demolish the empty magistrates court in Epping and replace it with eight “spacious and modern” apartments has been met with official opposition.
At a planning meeting of Epping Town Council yesterday evening (April 29), councillors objected to the plans submitted by developers Marden Homes Ltd.
The court building in Star Lane was closed by the Ministry of Justice in March 2012 as part of a drive to make the court system more efficient.
The developers propose to demolish the building, which they claim is “unsuitable for conversion” because of its unusual design.
Under the plans it would be replaced with a new apartment block, four storeys tall and with eight two-bedroom apartments.
Councillors objected to the plans, claiming the proposed block is too large, would impact on the “street scene” and cause traffic issues in the already congested road, which connects to the High Street.
Town clerk Alan Shaw said: “At the moment, if you walk down on any given day it is almost impossible because the police park their cars all the way along it.
“That will not be able to continue, so it could end up being quite a rat run.
“Traffic is a massive issue in Epping.”
Despite the opposition, Epping Forest District Council could still decide to approve the plans when they are considered in May.
How the magistrates court currently looks
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