Epping Forest District Council’s local plan mandates a masterplan to guide future development in South Epping. The South Epping Developer Consortium, comprising Barwood Land, Bellway Homes, Landvest Developments, and Mount Street Developments, is drafting this plan in collaboration with Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) and Essex County Council.

The masterplan includes:

– A minimum of 450 new energy-efficient homes, including social rented and shared ownership options.

– A new primary school with two forms of entry and early years provision.

– Shared community facilities within the school building.

– Children’s play areas.

– Public open spaces for recreation and biodiversity, including a 10-hectare suitable alternative natural greenspace (SANG), a new school square, and a village green.

– Retention and enhancement of existing green landscapes and watercourses.

– A new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the central line.

– Services for a retail coffee kiosk adjacent to the natural greenspace.

– A new barrier along the M25 to reduce noise and improve air quality.

Discussions with the Herts and Essex Integrated Care Board are ongoing to determine whether existing medical services in Epping will be supported or new facilities provided within the development.

 Vision for South Epping

The vision for SEMPA is to create a sustainable, healthy, and community-focused development that offers quality homes and a desirable lifestyle. The masterplan aims to provide accessible high-quality open spaces, enhancing wildlife habitats and biodiversity through various multi-functional landscapes. The development seeks to integrate with the existing Epping community through shared services and facilities, promoting a place where people want to live, play, and learn. The design prioritises minimising car use while maximising walking, cycling, and public transport to encourage healthy living and community interaction, ensuring Epping remains an attractive place to live.