Background
Dowding Way is a road that runs west-east below Waltham Abbey, connecting the Sewardstone Road and Honey Lane roundabouts. As of the latest EFDC Local Plan, it has been prescribed for development proposals for employment land.
Given the proximity of this land to Epping Forest, we have been closely monitoring and responding to development applications. These include an application for a Next distribution centre, dismissed in 2022 after an appeal hearing, and a subsequent application for use as employment space. The latter application is ongoing.
Dowding Way Proposed Site Layout Plan, Source: Health Impact Assessment (HIA) EFDC Planning Applications Public Register
September 2026
We respond to the most recent application on the Dowding Way site: for construction of flexible employment floorspace (floorspace that can be used by different kinds of businesses) north of Dowding Way, Waltham Abbey (EPF/1410/26).
June 2022
The appeal for a Next distribution centre to be built on the land is dismissed. We have consistently opposed this scheme on the basis of damage to the Green Belt and potential damage to Epping Forest due to increased traffic and pollution. We are therefore delighted that on 23 June 2022 the Planning Inspector dismissed Next’s appeal against Epping Forest District Council’s initial refusal of the scheme (EPF/2503/19).
Peter Lewis, EFHT Chief Executive says: “We are delighted that the Planning Inspector has dismissed Next’s appeal. Epping Forest is a truly precious ancient Forest which needs to be properly protected against inappropriate adjacent development so that it can be a truly thriving environment, rich in biodiversity, heritage and culture; enjoyed and conserved now and for generations to come.”
May 2022
EFHT Trustee Melissa Murphy QC and Chief Executive Peter Lewis give evidence at the appeal hearing at the end of May alongside the Save Epping Forest SAC Campaign and other community representatives, with Epping Forest District Council holding firm on their objections to the scheme.
April 2022
We submit our objection to Next’s appeal to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS). This comes after an initial refusal of Next’s scheme by EFDC in 2021.
Next’s previous Dowding Way planning proposal for a distribution centre
To view the previous planning proposal for a large depo at Dowding Way and EFHT’s on-going engagement, please visit here.