Epping Forest is adjacent to four local boroughs: Epping Forest District Council in Essex, and Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Newham in London. As the brief on our planning work, our efforts are currently focused on Epping Forest District and Waltham Forest although developments in other local authorities also affect the Forest.
We maintain a watching brief on local developments, large and small, that may affect the protection of nature spaces such as Epping Forest. We submit our responses, and also collaborate with partner organisations to advocate for the protection of the green belt and the Forest.
On this page you will find:
- Our brief about local plans, large-scale developments, as well as small local planning issues
Epping Forest District: Local Plans & Strategic Master Plans (SMP)
Waltham Abbey North Strategic Masterplan Framwork
September 2025. We submitted our comments during the public consultation on the Waltham Abbey North SMP.
The Epping Town Neighbourhood Plan
November 2025. We have submitted our comments in relation to the public consultation on the development plan.
South Epping Masterplan
June 2024. Our responses to EFDC’s South Epping Masterplan 2024, including the planning of a minimum of 450 new homes and new community facilities.
EFDC local plan 2023-2033
June 2023. Our responses to Epping Forest District Council Local Plan 2023-2033. Within the plan are proposals to build 11,400 new dwellings in the area.
North Weald Bassett Strategic Master Plan Framework (SMF)
Dec 2023. Planning developments of land to South of Vicarage Lane, North Weald Bassett, Epping, and our on-going concern.
Epping Forest District: large-scale development and infrastructure projects
Land South of Ivy Chimneys Road, South Epping
In July 2026, we commented on Planning Application EPF/2401/25, proposing the construction of up to 270 dwellings
Land Adjacent to Theydon Bois Station, Abridge Road
October 2025. We expressed strong concern and objection to Planning Application EPF/2137/25: residential development of up to 150 dwellings with associated infrastructure and landscaping.
Land North of Parklands, Waltham Abbey
August 2025. Our objection to Planning Application – EPF/1423/25 for the erection of up to 400 dwellings with associated public open space, landscaping and infrastructure.
Northfield Nursery, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey
April 2025. We objected Planning Application – EPF/0626/25, in relation to the demolition of existing buildings and structures, and redevelopment of site for storage or distribution purposes.
Land South of Chigwell Rise, Chigwell
March 2026. We objected to Planning Application EPF/2567/25: proposal for the construction of 232 new residences and 442 parking spaces.
Land North of Stewards Green Road and East of the Orchards
October 2025. We expressed strong concern and objection to Planning Application – EPF/2120/25, with proposed housing-led mixed-use development comprising up to 400 new homes.
North Weald Park, Former North Weald Golf Course
June 2025. We strongly object the planning application: EPF/1039/25: the outline planning application for a residential-led mixed-use development comprising up to 600 dwellings.
Happy Grow Garden Centre and Elmcroft, Thornwood
February 2025. We expressed objection to Planning Application – EPF/2576/24: demolition of existing buildings followed by residential development of up to 65 new homes.
Land east of Stonards Hill, Epping, Essex
January 2026. We objected to Planning Application EPF/2477/25, which proposed the construction of up to 80 new homes with associated car parking.
Land south of Upshire Road, Waltham Abbey
October 2025. We expressed strong concern and objection to Planning Application – EPF/1968/25, for up to 250 residential units, open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure.
Land west of Merlin Way, North Weald Airfield, North Weald Bassett
May 2025. Our objection to planning Application EPF/0849/25: demolition of the existing gate security and fire station buildings and redevelopment of the Site to deliver a data centre campus.
Proposed Latton Priory Development
Jan 2023. Our concerns and responses regarding the proposed Latton Priory Development in Epping Forest District Council’s (EFDC) emerging Local Plan
Epping Forest District: smaller, local planning applications
Below are the list of smaller, local planning applications we have reviewed and responded to in 2025 and 2026. If you are interested in read our full response, or would like to discuss with us about your views, please get in touch with us at: policy@efht.org.uk.
Epping: Stables Opposite Rose Cottage, CM16 6QN
July 2026. We commented on application EPF/1290/26, proposing a demolition of existing buildings and hard standing, to be replaced by a new dwelling with associated car parking
Epping: Green Acres, Ivy Chimneys, CM16 4EL
March 2026. We commented on Planning Application EPF/0181/26, proposing the construction of 10 new dwellings
Epping: Stables Opposite Rose Cottage, CM16 6QN
February 2026. We commented on Planning Application EPF/0130/26: to demolish existing buildings and hard standing and replace with a new dwelling, including parking space.
Epping: Russell Cottage, Coopersale Hall, Fluxs Lane, CM16 7PE
January 2026. We objected to Planning Application EPF/1696/25, seeking permission in principle for residential redevelopment of an existing property into three larger or five smaller dwellings.
Epping: Mill House Farm, Theydon Road, CM16 4DL
December 2025. We expressed objection to the Planning Application EPF/1697/25, in relation to proposed extensions and refurbishment of existing dwellinghouse involving the removal of outbuildings and hard standing.
Epping: New Farm House, Copped Hall Estate, CM16 5HT
March 2025. We commented on Planning Application EPF/0273/25, in relation to the change of use of agricultural building to storage use.
Waltham Abbey: Galley Wood House, Galleyhill Road, EN8 2BJ
March 2026. We commented on Planning Application EPF/0276/26, a proposal to expand the size of a pre-approved garage
Waltham Abbey: Land on the North East side of Mott Street, E4 7RW
December 2025. We expressed objection to the Planning Application EPF/1640/25, in relation to demolition of existing outbuilding and replacement with self build dwelling.
Waltham Abbey: Manor Farm Barn, Mott Street, IG10 4AP
October 2025. We expressed objection to planning application EPF/2047/25 in relatin to prior approval for proposed change of use of an existing agricultural barn into 5 separate residential dwellings.
Waltham Abbey: Pepper Alley, Mott Street, IG10 4AP
Waltham Abbey: Whyte Ladyes Stables, Chingford, E4 7QR
September 2025. We commented and expressed concern on Planning Application EPF/0168/25 in relation to the demolition of existing outbuilding and erection of replacement outbuilding for ancillary accommodation
Waltham Abbey: Bury Lodge, Copthall Green, EN9 3ST
September 2025. We commented and expressed concern on Planning Application EPF/0168/25 in relation to the demolition of existing outbuilding and erection of replacement outbuilding for ancillary accommodation
Waltham Abbey: Howards Nursery, Epping Road, EN9 2DH
March 2025. We expressed concern on Planning Application EPF/0342/25 in relation to the removal of existing green houses and storage buildings and construction of two detached dwellings with associated car ports and garden areas.
Latton Priory Farm, London Road, Hastingwood, Harlow, CM17 9LH
July 2026. We commented on proposal EPF/0717/26 for a change of use of a former granary and stable building into one unit of holiday accommodation with two car parking spaces.
Theydon Bois, Balti House, Station Approach
July 2026. We objected to Planning Application EPF/1138/26, which seeks the demolition of the Theydon Bois Balti House and erection of new building for cafe space, restaurant and 13x residential apartments
Theydon Bois: Piercing Hill, CM16 7JW
April 2026, we objected to Planning Application EPF/0533/26, seeking a replacement dwelling of increased bulk and a new basement level.
High Beach: Fairmead Plot 3, Church Road, IG10 4AJ
February 2026. We commented on Planning Application EPF/0250/26 which proposed the erection of a dwellinghouse in place of an already existing dwellinghouse.
High Beach: High Beach Hall, IG10 4AJ
July2025. We expressed objection to Planning Application EPF/1313/25, in relation to construction of a new two storey dwelling with second floor accommodation in the roof, a detached double garage, a new replacement external rear swimming pool and associated site works, following demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings
High Beach: Fairmead Plots, IG10 4AJ
July2025. We expressed objection to planning application EPF/0627/25: erection of two detached dwellinghouses to Plots 3 and 4 in place of two detached dwellinghouses.
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National and government policies
We maintain a watching brief on the national policies that may affect the protection of nature spaces such as Epping Forest.
Renewables done right – Protecting Epping Forest
Our brief and actions on local solar farm planning applications, as well as our concerns and positions, and our open letter to EFDC Councillors asking for a clear route that protects the Forest during the green energy transition.
Air pollution and its effect
A brief on the effects of air pollution on Epping Forest: the sources of air pollution, how it is measured, and who is responsible for reducing it, the effect of air pollution on the Forest, and suggestions as to what EFHT can do to reduce the threat of air pollution.