Controversial plans for a large housing development are likely to be refused tonight (May 13), despite backing from a newly re-elected MP.

A proposal for 74 homes has been submitted to Epping Forest District Council by civil engineering firm C. J. Pryor, which hopes to build the properties at two green belt sites in Foster Street, Hastingwood.

Under the proposals, backed by Conservative Harlow MP Robert Halfon, the homes would then be sold to fund the firm’s relocation from Foster Street to the nearby Harlow Gateway development next to the M11.

Three plans have been submitted to the council – one, for the 65 homes on C.J. Pryor’s current main site, another for nine homes on the opposite side of the road, and the third for the firm’s relocation.

The plan for nine homes has been recommended for approval, but the large development and relocation have been recommended for refusal.

Mr Halfon, who was promoted to David Cameron’s new Conservative cabinet on Monday (May 11), has given his support to all three plans despite opposition from people living nearby.

He said: “[I] support the application since the relocation of the business from Foster Street to Harlow Gateway South will provide a site more suited to the activities of a growing civil engineering company and allow it to remain local.

“Pryor Group provides local employment and the move will no doubt result in further employment as the business grows.

“Foster Street is a residential area and is more suited for 74 houses than a civil engineering business.”

Epping Forest Guardian:

The site of the smaller planned development in Foster Street

He added that Foster Street is unsuitable for C. J. Pryor’s heavy goods vehicles, which has been echoed by other supporters including the nearby Horn and Horseshoes pub.

However, one person living on Foster Street said: “We do not experience any noise, current issues or problems… the proposed redevelopment of the sites for housing would have an equal or greater impact on neighbours’ amenities than the existing business.

“The residential development would result in an increase in vehicle movements and there are no local facilities or public transport.”

A number of other objections have been raised, including from North Weald Bassett parish council, which claims the plans are: “Visually out of keeping with other properties in the area [and] it represents overdevelopment of the site.”

The council also called for compensation for people living in Hastingwood if the plans are approved, with others objecting to possible pollution and green belt damage from the new development.