This neighbourhood area is located in the county of Essex, known for its large open green spaces such as Epping Forest to its West. The area is literally surrounded by lush green natural open spaces, which is a far cry from central London’s Liverpool Street, which takes around 30 minutes to get to from Debden Underground station. Loughton’s abundance of natural spaces has accommodated the popularity of outdoor sports illustrated by Loughton Bowls Club, Loughton Athletic Club and Loughton Cricket Club which all playing within close proximity of this neighbour area. The area is a meld of classic suburban England and contemporary urban locale.

It should be no surprise that the area is engulfed in history as the first settlements date back to 2,500 years ago – yet in more recent history the area was recorded in William the Conqueror’s 1086 Domesday book under the name Lochintuna. Epping Forest which is located around 2 miles from this neighbourhood area, is home to a 500 BC Iron Age hillfort, Loughton Camp. Between the 17th century and 1800s Loughton grew from a small village to a bustling town due to it becoming an important stopping point on coach journeys between London and Cambridge. Approximately two-thirds of those from Loughton identify as being Christians, this is more than the approximately two-fifths of British people who identify with the Christian faith.

Loughton’s very own pub, The Cottage Loaf, does not just have a quirky name but is a neighbourhood favourite but also a community champion as they help to sponsor local events. In 2010, this neighbourhood got its primetime break, when Loughton appeared on our screens in ITV’s The Only Way is Essex.

Anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual crime makeup more than two-fifths of Loughton’s reported crime from 2017-2018. Although less than 30 minutes from central London on the tube, the cheaper alternative to tubes which are TFL buses are usually said to run inefficiently.

Essex County Council is investing £315 million into expanding school places, some of which have gone towards creating 150 spaces for Roding Valley High School in Loughton. In terms of private development, local residents have expressed outrage over plans for more than 400 luxury homes and a wellness centre to be built in Loughton despite the council initially refusing proposals. This development is planned to be spread out over two different sites, although the plans do not include any infrastructural or built environment for the community at large. One resident also expressed concerns about the “continued gentrification of the area”. These potential changes to the neighbourhood are likely to re-emerge in different forms in the future, with land at Epping Forest College and Borders Lane Playing Fields recently purchased by Fairview New Homes.