The district council is to receive £50,000 from a Government pot of nearly £2million to crack down on illegal developments on the local green belt.

Epping Forest District Council will be able to use the money to deal with illegal developments such as unauthorised traveller encampments and illegal car parks.

In addition, more enforcement officers, the latest technology and bringing rogue developers to book for their illegal development can be invested into.

Housing Minister Rt Hon Esther McVey MP confirmed the news for Epping Forest and 37 other councils at the annual RESI Convention in Newport on Thursday, September 11.

Ms McVey said: "Conservatives know that once the Green Belt is built on it’s often gone for good that’s why only we can be trusted to protect it.

"The public in Epping Forest have told us loud and clear they want it kept for future generations to enjoy.

"The funding will help councils like Epping Forest be vigilant against rogue developers, giving the areas with the highest levels of Green Belt the funds needed to throw the book at those who build illegally.”

Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing said: "This is great news for the Epping Forest district.

"I often hear from constituents about Green Belt issues and this new funding will enable our district council to take action when illegal developments occur.

"So much of the Epping Forest district is in the Green Belt and it is vital that everything possible is done to ensure that it is protected."

The Green Belt is the term used to protect the certain rural areas across the country , only in exceptional circumstances can this land be built on.

Alongside the cash boost for councils, the Government is teaming up with the Royal Town Planning Institute to overhaul the national enforcement handbook to stop illegal developments ever happening in the first place.