Policy information sourced from the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033

D2 Essential Facilities and Services

  • Development proposals will be permitted only where they provide or improve the essential facilities and services required to serve the scale of the proposed development.
  • Development proposals which would be detrimental to or result in the loss of essential facilities and services that meet community needs and support wellbeing will only be permitted where it can be clearly demonstrated that:
    1. the service or facility is no longer needed; or
    2. it is demonstrated that it is no longer practical, desirable or viable to retain them; or
    3. the proposals will provide sufficient community benefit to outweigh the loss of the existing facility or service; or
    4. a suitable replacement service or facility of an equivalent or higher standard is provided onsite or in an appropriate alternative location which is accessible to local residents affected by the loss.
  • Proposals for new facilities will be supported where they meet an identified local need. The Council will work with local communities and support proposals to retain, improve or re-use essential facilities and services. These include those set out in Neighbourhood Plans or Development Orders, including Community Right to Build Orders, along with appropriate supporting development which may make such provision economically viable.
  • To ensure new developments have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of residents, and address issues of health deprivation and health inequality in the District, the Council will require:
    1. use Class C3 development in excess of 50 units and all Use Class C2 development and/or employment development in excess of 1,000 square metres floorspace to be accompanied by a Health Impact Assessment prepared in accordance with local guidance. Where detrimental impact to health and wellbeing is identified, planning permission will be refused unless the impact identified can be mitigated through the design, infrastructure provision and/or funding to meet the health requirements, or by other measures; and
    2. where appropriate new development will be expected to contribute towards the provision of built facilities and other improvements to healthcare services.

For more information please see the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033