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

E4 The Visitor Economy

  • Opportunities for the sustainable development of the visitor economy will be supported where they are of a scale, type and appearance appropriate to the locality and provide local economic benefits, through the following:
    1. support for the development of high quality visitor accommodation, in particular accommodation linked to outdoor sport and activity hubs in the Lee Valley Regional Park, and visitor accommodation of an appropriate scale and type that makes use of existing buildings and strengthens existing rural leisure businesses;
    2. support for the upgrading of existing visitor attractions, visitor centres and development of appropriate new ones;
    3. support the retention and improvement of existing visitor accommodation and venues unless there is proof that there is no market interest in rental or acquisition and that investment to allow continued profitable operation of the business is not viable;
    4. encourage sustainable tourism in rural areas. This will include better linkages between the settlements and rural surroundings; and opportunities for the enjoyment of the Lee Valley Regional Park and the Epping Forest. Any proposal will need to ensure, where appropriate, that these sites are protected in accordance with the Habitat Regulations. Proposals will also need to respond to the importance of conserving and enhancing the cultural heritage of the area;
    5. support a year-round visitor economy whilst ensuring the facility remains for visitor use;
    6. support and encourage the improvement of sustainable and active transport opportunities for visitors in order to minimise increases in traffic and the affects it will have on the highway network and air quality; and
    7. encourage local food and produce related and appropriate tourism development that supports rural business and farm diversification.

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