THE latest bid to develop a patch of protected land has sparked outrage from people in the community.

Developer Mark Swan wants to replace farm buildings in the Green Belt outside Theydon Bois with houses – a move which Epping Forest District Council planners have said should be approved.

But the council has received 32 letters of objection to the plans for four homes at Blunts Farm in Coopersale Street from people who say it would damage the character of the area.

Nik Hunt, 34, of Green Glade, on the edge of the village, said: “I always worry that if someone builds on Green Belt land, then the application could grow.

“If it increases, that would be a concern. I would be against it because of that.”

Brian Austin, 75, also of Green Glade, said: “We don’t need housing on the Green Belt.

“It’s going to cause a lot more traffic as well, which we have plenty of here already.”

The Theydon Bois Action Group, which spoke out against a planned commuter car park near the farm before it was thrown out on appeal, has also objected to the plans, which it called “inappropriate and conspicuous”.

But Mr Swan’s agent, Jonathan Dixon, said: “It’s unlikely that this will set any precedent.

“A proposal is always assessed on its own merits and this has a particular context – there are existing buildings on the site and there’s a half-finished dwelling, which has planning permission.”

He added that more of the site would be grassed over than it is now if the development goes ahead, but admitted it would stand out.

“I’m aware it’s highly visible,” he added. “The design has been carefully considered and a full landscaping scheme is proposed.”

Campaigners won a fight to have landfill dumped on the farm removed in 2009 and the council has said the land must be tested for contamination before any houses are allowed to be built there.

The council is due to decide whether to allow the development during a meeting at its Epping High Street offices tonight (Wednesday).

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