Villagers rally against developers (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Villagers rally against developers

1:55pm Monday 27th March 2006 in News By Guardian-series

VILLAGERS have rallied against the threat by the developers of the Blunts Farm golf course to quadruple the size of Theydon Bois and build up to 4,500 homes.

Epping Forest District Council has dismissed the idea and said there is "no prospect" of planning permission being granted by the council or on appeal for such an proposal on green belt land.

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing has voiced her concern describing any such development as "unsustainable."

Mrs Laing added: "The local community needs some new homes every year but to talk in terms of thousands is simply unacceptable."

Butcher John Phillips, of Coppice Row, said of site owner Phil Newman: "I don't think he's got a hope in hell's chance. He's in enough problems with the golf course development and it's not going to go down very well before the council."

Village Valet manager Badi Khorsandyon, of Forest Drive, said the plans would not affect his business but would have a detrimental affect on the village.

He said: "I don't think it will be a good idea as it's too much and will spoil everything. It's a little village and this will overcrowd it."

paul Reynolds, manager of Darlington's garage, Coppice Row, said there was merit in building 500 houses but described further building as "excessive" and a "no-no".

"I understand residents are unhappy but for the economy it's a good thing, and 450-500 houses would see Theydon Bois prosper.

"Some people would argue the plans would affect the atmosphere in the village but they must consider that there are shops here that are on the borderline of survival."

"Any more than 500 and the residents will be up in arms."

Theydon Bois and Abridge Action Group Jacq Dodman said the group would welcome the completion of a golf course but warned: "We will not be held to ransom with hollow threats of quadrupling the size of the village."

Blunts Farm Estates spokesman George Dilloway has been unable to comment.