THE company which wants to build houses on land at Ongar Station has told a planning inquiry that the proposals would not threaten the future of the Epping-Ongar railway.

The inquiry follows an appeal by land owner Epping Ongar Railway Holdings Ltd against Epping Forest District Council's non-determination of its original application which sought planning permission for the site.

Nigel Sill, a director of Epping Ongar Railway Holdings Ltd, told the hearing at the Civic Offices, Epping, last week that the "robust" tourist service it hopes to run would ensure a secure future for the line.

However Alan Stones, an architect and town planner and witness for Epping Forest District Council, argued that a heritage railway is necessary to preserve the railway for future generations. He said any profit generated from this could later be used to "unlock the line as a transport link" and commuter line into London with an interchange at Epping.

This would necessitate land to house a large number of rolling stock, as well as a shop, museum and restaurant, space which could be threatened by the proposed development. Speaking on behalf of Epping Forest District Council's planning authority, counsel Richard Banwell referred to the Local Plan, which prevents any development that would stop the reinstatement and future operation of the Epping Ongar railway.

In response Paul Shadarevian, on behalf of Epping Ongar Railway Holdings Ltd, said the Local Plan merely requires that the line remains, not that it remains for commuter use.

l The hearing was adjourned on the second day until the New Year after the appellant's barrister could not attended because of a family illness.