IN A bid to help the campaign to save Jessel Green Epping Forest Green Party's members have voted not to contest wards held by Loughton Residents Association (LRA) in May's District Council elections.

While final submissions opposing parts Epping Forest’s District Council’s Local Plan are due on January 29, many who object to the far reaching document, which could see 11,000 homes built in the area by 2033, are expecting to continue the fight throughout the year.

Foremost among them are them are the Save Jessel Green Protestors, who want plans to build 154 homes on the field to be scrapped.

They are backed by LRA councillors.

Green Party councillor, Steven Neville, who represents Buckhurst Hill East on the District Council, said: ”Saving our precious green spaces is a must and I know Jessel Green is well used by the residents who live there.

"It is with this in mind that we are not standing against the LRA at the next local elections who serve the residents of Loughton well.

“It is decision of a poll of our members and is the right one at this moment in time."

Dave Plummer, Epping Forest Green Party's coordinator, said the decision to stand aside was not taken lightly.

He added: "Epping Forest Green Party's officers thought very hard before suggesting this to our members. We believe that everybody who wants to vote Green should be able to.

“However, every vote for a non-LRA candidate is a vote that could lose an LRA seat on the District Council, making the fight to save Jessel Green even harder.

"We're proud of our members for voting to stand aside on this one occasion and in this very specific circumstance."

"Saving Jessel Green is too important to risk undermining the campaign for the sake of party politics."

Cllr Neville and Green Party Cllr Simon Heap, who also represents Buckhurst Hill East, both voted against building on Jessel Green at December's Local Plan meeting.

LRA councillors hold seats in the Alderton, Broadway, Fairmead, Forest, St John’s and St Mary’s wards.