Policy information sourced from the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033
P1 Epping
- Proposals for development on allocated sites should accord with the site specific policy requirements set out in Part Two of this Plan.
Residential and Mixed Use Sites
- In accordance with Policy SP1 the following sites are allocated for residential or mixed use development:
- EPP.R1 Land South of Epping, West and EPP.R2 Land South of Epping, East – a minimum of 450 homes
- EPP.R4 Land at St Johns Road – approximately 34 homes and appropriate uses
- EPP.R5 Epping Sports Centre – approximately 42 homes
- EPP.R6 Cottis Lane Car park – approximately 47 homes
- EPP.R7 Bakers Lane Car Park – approximately 31 homes
- EPP.R8 Land and part of Civic Offices – approximately 44 homes
- EPP.R9 Land at Bower Vale – approximately 50 homes viii) EPP.R11 Epping Library – approximately 11 homes.
Employment Sites
- In accordance with Policies SP1 and E1 the following existing sites are designated for employment use:
- EPP.E1 Land at Eppingdene
- EPP.E2 Land at Coopersale Hall
- EPP.E3 Falconry Court
- EPP.E4 Bower Hill Industrial Estate
Sustainable Transport Choices
- In accordance with Policy T1, all development proposals must demonstrate how opportunities to access jobs, services, education and leisure faciltities by means other than the car have been addressed, both within Epping and to the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town. This includes the need to make provision for, improve, enhance and promote use of existing, cycling and walking networks and access to passenger transport services.
Infrastructure Requirements
- New development must be served and supported by appropriate on and off-site infrastructure and services. Development should deliver and/or contribute towards the delivery of infrastructure where this is necessary and fairly and reasonably related to the development having full regard to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan Schedule and its wider infrastructure objectives. F. Development proposals in Epping will be expected to deliver and/or contribute proportionately towards infrastructure items as required, including:
- education provision including early years, primary school and secondary school places;
- provision of health facilities;
- provision of walking and cycling facilities and linkages both within the site and to key destinations;
- enhancements to public transport provision or other initiatives which reduce the need to travel by car;
- highways and junction upgrades;
- upgrade and improvement of utility infrastructure including water, waste water, solid waste, gas, electricity and telecommunications; and
- improvements and provision of green and blue infrastructure assets including open space.
- A new leisure centre will be provided in Epping to replace the facility currently located at site EPP.R5.
Town Centre Uses
- In accordance with Policy E2, in Epping Town Centre, at least 70% of the ground floor Primary Commercial, Business and Service Frontage and at least 20% of the ground floor Secondary Commercial, Business and Service Frontage will be maintained in Use Class E uses.
Air Pollution
- The development of sites within Epping has the potential to produce air pollution that could impact upon air quality in the District, including the Epping Forest. All development proposals will need to demonstrate that they are in accordance with Policy DM2 and Policy DM22 and should have regard to the Council’s adopted Air Pollution Mitigation Strategy for the Epping Forest. This includes, where necessary, the provision of financial contributions for the purposes of implementing air pollution mitigation initiatives and undertaking air quality monitoring and any necessary future air quality assessments.
Recreational Pressure
- Developments within Epping which would result in a net increase in dwellings have the potential to result in recreational pressure on the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation. All such developments will need to demonstrate that they are in accordance with Policy DM2. This includes, where necessary, the provision of financial contributions towards mitigation and monitoring measures.
Flood Risk
- Except for essential infrastructure and water compatible developments, no built development on residential allocations will be permitted on land within Flood Zones 2 and 3 as shown on the Council’s latest Strategic Flood Risk Assessment maps, including the appropriate allowance for climate change.
South Epping Masterplan Area
- Planning applications for sites EPP.R1 and EPP.R2 should be accompanied by a Strategic Masterplan for the South Epping Masterplan Area which demonstrates that the development requirements set out in this Policy have been accommodated and which has been endorsed by the Council. The endorsed Strategic Masterplan will be taken into account as an important material consideration in the determination of any planning applications. M. In addition to the requirements set out above, the Strategic Masterplan must make provision for:
- a minimum of 450 homes;
- appropriate community and health facilities, employment and retail uses;
- a new primary school;
- provision or enhancement of walking and cycling facilities, Public Rights of Way and linkages both within the site, over the railway line, the footbridge over the M25, and to key destinations including Epping London Underground Station and the Town Centre;
- vehicular access/egress which provides safe access to the local highway network, does not impact on its safe and efficient operation, does not result in the loss of important boundary trees and/or hedgerows, or cause material harm to the living conditions of adjoining residents as a result of noise, light pollution or privacy;
- preserving or enhancing the setting of the Grade II listed Gardners Farm and Grade II listed farm buildings;
- minimising the impact upon the Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitat within the site and nearby Local Wildlife Site;
- incorporation of an appropriate buffer to protect the amenity of future residents with regards to noise and air quality from the M25 and an appropriate buffer from the High Voltage Transmission Cables and land impacted by the BPA Oil Pipeline constraints;
- the sloping topography of the site by incorporating sensitive design responses to the level changes and by ensuring a positive relationship is established between the new development, the town and the wider landscape;
- the continued protection of those trees benefitting from a Tree Preservation Order and other identified Veteran Trees;
- land to the South of the indicative ‘buildto’ line in EPP.R2 within the Masterplan Area must be retained for public open space or for other appropriate uses as agreed through the masterplanning process;
- the strengthening and/or creation of new Green Belt boundaries to the East and West of the site;
- the integration, retention and improvements to the existing watercourse;
- adequate levels of high quality public open space, including the retention or reprovision of Brook Road Informal Recreation Ground; and
- a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace.
- The Strategic Masterplan and subsequent applications should be considered and informed by the Quality Review Panel and be subject to public consultation, including in respect of Masterplans, consultation with all those with a development interest in the defined area.
- The Strategic Masterplan must incorporate measures to promote and encourage the use of sustainable methods of transportation and provide viable alternatives to single occupancy private car use including car clubs/car sharing or pooling arrangements. Such measures are to be planned in consultation with Essex County Council (and relevant passenger transport providers). The proposed measures should be underpinned by feasibility evidence that comprehensively demonstrates the delivery of modal shift by way of sustainable travel measures.
For more information please see the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033