We thought this briefing note put together by the Epping Forest Heritage Trust would be of interest as it highlights issues regarding the plan to build an additional circa 450 houses in South Epping.
South Epping Strategic Master Plan and Design Code (the Master Plan) – Briefing note from the Epping Forest Heritage Trust (EFHT). 22nd August 2024.
We hope you will be able to consider the issues below at the Cabinet meeting on 2nd September, and that the Master Plan can be amended appropriately.
• The Trust recognises the need for new housing. But developments must not be to the detriment of Epping Forest which is already being significantly damaged by air pollution and increased visitor footfall. The south Epping site is close to the Forest, 1km away from the main Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and some 2.5km from the Lower Forest SSSI.
• While general mitigation measures to reduce damage to the Forest are in the Local Plan, these should not be relied upon as the only means. Every effort should be made by EFDC, as the Competent Authority, to ensure that the causes of the damage are minimised in the Master Plan. Measures are proposed, but we believe more needs to be done.
• Air Pollution/Traffic - The Local Plan is clear that traffic volumes in the District are reaching capacity and that air pollution is already a problem in the south Epping area. We have not seen evidence that the limited adoption of EVs has led to a reduction in pollution levels in the Forest. It is essential that all possible measures to reduce vehicle trips and to encourage alternative, more sustainable forms of transport are set out in the Master Plan. This will benefit current and future residents of EFDC, as well as the Forest.
• Residents should be encouraged by the design of the development, from housing and car parking provision to new road and walkway layouts, to walk and cycle to the town centre, schools, the Underground station, and to the Forest itself, by the provision of safe and attractive routes. It is also essential that these onsite routes are linked with a wider, attractive path network to key destinations.
• Given the site’s proximity to the town centre (a 10-minute walk), the number of parking spaces in the development should be kept to an absolute minimum. Parking spaces should be calculated at a much lower rate per dwelling than the County Council standard. This should be explicit in the Master Plan.
• The provision of onsite shops and health facilities within the new development, and local public transport services, is also important to help reduce car journeys.
• Reducing the impact of additional visitors to the Forest. The extent of green space proposed is welcome but the areas need to be attractive to reduce visits to sensitive Forest habitats where additional footfall, disturbance and fouling by dogs have a major impact. The proximity of the M25 and large electricity pylons next to the site may significantly discourage recreational use of the proposed Suitable Alternative Green Spaces. Councillors need to be confident that the creation of bunds and installation of acoustic fencing will adequately manage vehicle noise, help mitigate levels of pollution from the M25, and that the areas will be sufficiently attractive for new residents to enjoy.
• Higher quality walking and cycling access to the Forest should be provided on existing or new routes to the south of the site, to avoid residents travelling to the Forest by car.
• The development will place additional visitor pressure on sensitive sites including Ivy Chimneys, Bell Common and Shepherds Meadows. This needs to be considered in consultation with the City of London Corporation, with adequate funding provided for the Corporation to manage increased footfall on these sites and mitigate likely damage from increased footfall.
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