Plans to house businesses in 36 repurposed shipping containers have been met with official support.

The “interesting” concept for the Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate will provide space for local jobs and recycle dilapidated property, members of Loughton Town Council claimed when they considered designs at a meeting last night (October 5).

The development would see businesses housed in two-storey stacks of containers, which would be repainted, positioned together and given glass fronts.

Agreeing to support applicant A Walker’s proposed ‘business incubator’, councillors however said plans for an included coffee shop were unnecessary in an area already served by an existing café and mobile sellers.

Councillor Jill Angold-Stephens said: “Using reconditioned shipping containers is gaining a lot of credence.

“I personally have no objections to the offices, I think they look quite good.”

Planning clerk Vivienne Messenger notified councillors of some issues, including a parking survey being unfit for purpose because it was done during holidays - when there were fewer cars in the area.

However, councillors including Jill Bostock thought the positive aspects outweighed any problems.

She said: “If you think how many business units there are [in this proposal] for the area, for new businesses, start-ups… they are all jobs.

“It is really needed.”

A report, submitted to Epping Forest District Council by planners John Elvidge, claims the development could bring money to the area.

It says: “This development will make a positive contribution to the visual amenities of the locality.

“It will contribute to economic growth and the creation of new employment opportunities.

“It will help diversify the mix of uses in the area, providing new refreshment facilities for those employed in surrounding businesses.

The development will next be considered at a higher level district council meeting.