Controversial plans to build thousands of new homes faced opposition from around Epping Forest as a public consultation ended.

Community groups and parish councils voiced major concerns to Epping Forest District Council on Monday (December 12), strongly objecting to the draft Local Plan.

The plan, which could see 11,400 homes built in the district up to 2033, was first unveiled in October.

On Monday, councillor Leon Girling visited the civic offices in Epping to personally hand in 298 letters from people objecting to development as part of the Save Jessel Green campaign.

Cllr Girling said there was an “amazing show of community spirit” as people united against proposals to build on Jessel and Rochford Greens in Loughton, saying they are the only accessible recreational green spaces in the area.

On Friday, Epping Town Council and North Weald parish council issued a joint press release criticising the Local Plan.

The proposals could see 1,580 new homes in North Weald and 1,690 in Epping – potential population increases of 80 per cent and 32 per cent respectively.

This increase would not be sustainable in “economic, environmental or social terms,” the councils said.

Asked if the degree of opposition would mean major changes to the proposals, a district council spokeswoman said responses needed to be analysed before any amendments are made.

The council told the Epping Forest Guardian it estimated it had received over 3,000 consultation responses.