Residents battle to save village (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Residents battle to save village

2:23pm Sunday 2nd April 2006 in Search By David Jackman

RESIDENTS fearing the destruction of Theydon Bois as a village if up to 4,500 homes are built could still have a major battle on their hands to thwart the plans, even though the land is in the green belt.

The warning comes from Epping Forest District Council leader John Knapman who says the existing green belt status of the earmarked land will soon be up for review.

He said proposals by the developer behind the under-construction Blunts Farm golf course, off Coopersale Lane, to build between 500 and 4,500 homes in the village could be seen as a "scare tactic".

He added: "This is not a matter which has been raised by any planning officers or council members as the site is firmly in the green belt at present. It may be viewed as a scare tactic used by the developers to secure completion of the golf course."

But he added: "My information is that prior to the Second World War it was planned to build houses on the site and a sewerage system may already be in place. Apparently it was the onset of war which stopped this happening.

"Theydon Bois residents need to realise that when the green belt boundaries are re-examined towards the end of this year and throughout 2007, sites close to existing transport infrastructure will have to be considered.

"That is not to say it is a good idea to build at Theydon Bois but residents should realise their case is perhaps weaker than those seeking to save the green belt south of Harlow where there is no transport infrastructure at all.

"Sometimes saying no to everything can backfire and residents end up with a far worse situation than was ever envisaged.

"The residents of Theydon Bois deserve solutions to green belt and housing issues which achieve the right balance between protecting and enhancing their environment while helping to meet needs within Epping Forest.

"Theydon Bois and Abridge residents will look to our planners to deliver solutions with which they are comfortable. After Blunts Farm they deserve it."

The on-going saga over the golf course development has been passed to the independent Local Government Ombudsman following complaints about the dumping of material as part of the creation of the course.

Mr Knapman said: "I have no problem in admitting that the planning permission granted with numerous conditions does not appear to have adequately taken into account lorry movements during reconstruction.

"Also the method statement states that holes must be not less than one metre deep' not as residents state not more than one metre deep' and this has also caused significant difficulties.

"But these decisions were made up to six years ago and we cannot operate as though a planning permission has not been given."

He added: "Bringing the operation to a halt may have met with residents' approval but it has left a legacy of a large crater, about which other residents are now complaining, and no golf course.

"The council has a duty to resolve this matter either through the courts or by negotiation.

"The former may prove to be costly and the latter is unlikely to please everyone but that is what happens when planning enforcement issues arise.

"Leaving things as they are is not an option."