The cost of the controversial new Local Plan for Epping Forest is set to jump by more than £1million, it has been revealed.

The blueprint for development in the district, which could see 11,400 new homes built up to 2033, will cost an extra £1,027,500 in 2017/18 and £237,000 in 2018/19.

The shortfall was revealed in a report ahead of last Thursday’s (December 1) cabinet meeting of Epping Forest District Council, where council leader councillor Chris Whitbread called the plan “costly business”.

Following the cabinet’s approval of the extra budget, it will need to be backed by the full council.

Speaking at the meeting, planning councillor John Philip said: “It is unfortunate, but everything keeps changing in the Local Plan environment.

“We have updated population figures on a far too regular basis which always involves more work, and there are significant changes that come through from central government as well.

“We believe that we have identified… what we would likely have to spend over the period to actually get ourselves with a Local Plan that we will approve through council.

“I do sincerely hope I won’t need to come back and ask for any more money.”

The council said the extra £1,264,500 is needed across the next two years because of management and staffing requirements, including hiring a “range of specialist consultants”.

Transport modelling and testing of potential sites for development are also likely to cause additional costs.

Council officer Derek Macnab stressed the plan is not over budget, saying: “It is not always possible to predict the final cost.

“Therefore on an annual basis in the council budgets, bids are made for continuing work.”

A consultation on the Local Plan runs until December 12.

It has already faced significant opposition around the district, with people criticising the number of houses suggested, a perceived lack of new facilities and the loss of green spaces.

In Loughton, Roxanne Hadfield of Jessel Drive is co-ordinating and encouraging people to respond to the council in an attempt to protect spaces such as Jessel Green and Rochford Green.

“I wholeheartedly believe the council have got it wrong,” said Ms Hadfield, 36.

“I think the greens are highly valued by local people.

“I also believe with all the cuts going on across the country at the moment, and cuts to services, this beautiful green space costs very little to maintain and brings so much… don’t take that away.”

She added: “I think they have made a really bad call and frankly we have got a lot more fight in us so they better be prepared for a fight.”

The plan is also opposed by the Buckhurst Hill Residents’ Society.

The society said all three local sites suggested for development are unsuitable, and claimed many people were unaware of potential changes to the built-up area of Lower Queen's Road.

To respond to the council consultation, visit http://eppingforest.consultationonline.co.uk/.