The Epping Society submitted a petition with over 2,000 signatures to the Epping Forest District Council protesting against the Epping South housing development. Councillor Ken Williamson acknowledged local concerns while stating that the area faces pressure to build due to a national housing shortage. Development proposals must comply with legal planning policies, yet local sentiment will be considered. The inclusion of Epping South in the local plan followed scrutiny by a government-appointed inspector, emphasizing that the government expects the project to proceed despite local opposition.
Epping is by no means exceptional. We are under pressure from both the previous and new governments to build more houses in Epping Forest. There is a national shortage and new housing is being built everywhere.
Councillors are legally bound to follow policy in law for planning applications but I can also assure residents that the sentiments within the petition will always be taken into account when scrutinising development proposals.
The petition reflects growing concern among residents about the scale of new development in the area. Epping South was included in the council's local plan after consideration by a government-appointed inspector.
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