A controversial new housing development has taken a major step forward in Waltham Abbey after it was partially approved on Wednesday (August 19).

Local district councillors voted to approve the plans for 79 homes, parking and a children’s centre at Knollys Nursery in Pick Hill, following an impassioned speech from meeting chair councillor Ann Mitchell.

The plans submitted by James Thomas have met with objection from over 40 neighbours, residents associations and walking groups, as well as support from a similar number of people.

Two previous schemes have been rejected because of fears of a possible impact on the green belt, and council planners said it was too far from shops, services and facilities in Waltham Abbey.

Epping Forest District Council will now have to make the crunch decision at a high-level district development meeting in November.

Speaking at the meeting, cllr. Mitchell said: “Housing is a problem in Waltham Abbey and most of our younger population are having to leave Waltham Abbey to find accommodation elsewhere.

“This is quite a sad thing because it breaks up family units.

“With our younger generation leaving the next level of our work force is lost in the Abbey, so therefore our businesses also could decide to leave.

“All we would be left with in the long run is developments for sheltered and nursing accommodation.

“We need to look to the future, we need to look to our housing needs and the only way by doing this is carefully scrutinising the planning applications that come in and see what is best for Waltham Abbey.

“Some of us do not have the same views, but we have to take the overall view for Waltham Abbey.

“That is our main objective and I will be supporting the application.”

The plans include 36 two bedroom affordable houses, 27 three bedroom affordable houses, 11 three bedroom private dwellings and five four bedroom private dwellings.

Waltham Abbey town council have not objected, but there are major concerns from neighbours about the suitability of the land, the increase in traffic and the protection of wildlife.