NEIGHBOURS have been left feeling defeated after plans to build thousands of new homes and destroy the “lung of the area” were approved.

Epping Forest District Council’s proposals for 11,400 new homes in the district, as set out in its local plan, will now go to consultation.

People have six weeks to comment only on the “soundness of the plan” before the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid has the final say.

But last night’s extraordinary meeting, which lasted five hours, was not without its criticisms as residents trying to fight to protect the area were denied the chance to speak.

The most hotly debated topic was Jessel Green, which is due to see 154 homes built over a green space which is well-loved by the community.

Cllr Chris Pond, a Loughton Residents Association representative, initially proposed an amendment to remove Jessel Green and build an extra 300 homes in Harlow.

“It’s the most repugnant and toxic of points,” he said. “Residents regard this as deeply flawed and unsound but it can be repaid.”

Cllr John Phillip, who is responsible for planning on the council, said his amendment was “flawed” because Harlow has already maximised its housing allocation.

But Independent Stephen Murray said: “It’s exactly the same as building in the middle of a village that is in the heart of the community.”

He stressed how the “green lung” of the area is on the same road as two secondary schools and three primary schools, and used by many children.

“It’s just a vibrant open space, not a park, it’s a living open space which residents really want. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Chambers accused those complaining of “nimbyism”, which was met with hushed “wows” from the audience.

Cllr Jennings listed the famous parks in the area, including Hampstead Heath and Regents Park. She then added: “Can you imagine them covered in high rise flats or high density housing?

“They are all priceless gems in their neighbourhoods, this is our own green gem, the jewel in our crown. It’s just a priceless.”

Cllr Brian Sandler, himself a Conservative representative, suggested building extra homes in Theydon Bois in order to save Jessel Green.

Although Cllr Pond agreed to drop his motion in favour of his colleague’s, this was ultimately defeated.

At the start of the meeting, Cllr Phillip addressed concerns which were exclusively revealed in the Guardian last week about the removal of 300 homes in his own ward, Theydon Bois.

He said: “I am fully aware of the comments around the district about these allegations.

“We had a clear objection to the development proposed east of the Tube line from the Corporation of London, the guardians of Epping Forest.

“We examined several different approaches but unfortunately, there was not one that could be brought forward.

“Due to the flooding issues on two of the remaining sites, the capacity of these have had to be reduced to allow them to remain in the plan.”

He also touched on how station car parks are to be built over, saying it is a requirement that there is “no reduction in parking facilities”.

The authority will also look to replace library sites which are to be lost when the new homes are build, he added.

He said he had been in touch with the Secretary of State in the last few weeks and was keen to get the plan out as soon as possible, so as not to miss the deadline.

But long-time campaigner Paul Morris believes that had the plan been put out sooner, sites such as Jessel might have been saved because there would have been more time to find alternatives.

Mr Morris urged everyone to have their say in the consultation, which is released on Monday.