Epping's green belt is under threat by development

Despite its fundamental role originally in preventing the sprawl of London, around Epping it is significant in preventing the expansion of Epping town and continuing to maintain the open green spaces that we know and love.

Part of the charm of Epping is its location within the green belt and the advantages of the nearby Epping Forest.

We are deeply worried about recent proposals targeting green belt sites, including substantial applications for hundreds of new homes near Epping.

While we acknowledge the need for housing, we firmly believe this should be brownfield first and not come at the expense of our irreplaceable green spaces. 

The national planning policy framework (NPPF)  push for the arbitrary reclassification of land as 'grey belt' is especially troubling, as it risks stripping essential protections from areas developers may deem less significant and make them a target for housebuilding. 

That together with the recent announcement to build near stations makes us even more concerned.

We all know that the Central Line to Epping runs at peak capacity during the rush hour. More houses without any corresponding  infrastructure improvement seems to be a common theme in the proposed new developments. 

Once green belt land is lost, it is gone forever.

The consequences extend beyond just scenery; the destruction of this land threatens local biodiversity, increases traffic congestion and places immense strain on already stretched local infrastructure, including schools and healthcare services.

Our community has consistently voiced its top priority - protecting and enhancing green spaces.

Epping has already had significant brownfield development in the town centre without any infrastructure improvements and has identified in the Local Plan, South Epping as an area – previously green belt – now allocated for development. Enough is enough.

The Epping Society stands resolutely against any further removal of land from the protection of the green belt.

Our petition, Halt Further Building Development in Epping Beyond the Local Plan - United Kingdom can be found at: change.org/SaveEpping

We urge residents to remain vigilant and engaged. Please respond to all local planning consultations, write to your councillors and MP. 

Together we must hold the line. The future of Epping’s unique green setting depends on our collective action to defend this precious environmental asset.

• For more information or to get involved, visit: eppingsociety.org