Heather Paget’s letter of January 9 states that ‘it is time for folk to consider whether we want to keep the essential character of Epping Forest before it is changed or lost forever' and I second that.

EFDC is very keen to protect the green belt but I do not see the same consideration being given to all its urban areas. If this were the case, a building the size and bulk of the proposed new development on the Sir Winston Churchill site in Debden, would never have got off the ground.

We need more housing, but not 64 flats with associated congestion from extra cars and their parking requirements. The Broadway is near to Debden station and already has a massive problem with commuter parking. More affordable homes are needed but none are to be included here. More shops are not desirable whilst there are empty shops around. The residents want another pub to be included but they may finish up with a restaurant or wine bar.

I am a member of the committee which approved the development but voted against it for the above reasons and because the proposed building is just too big. A smaller building designed to complement the special character of the1950s architecture of the Broadway and enhancing it rather than dominating it is what was called for. But now it’s too late.

Cllr Jennie Hart, Loughton (Debden) Broadway