Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest.

The Committee considered the report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest and Members noted that land surrounding Epping Forest continued to be subject to intense development pressure. Officers informed Members that in order to protect the context and setting of Epping Forest and its overall environmental condition, the Conservators continued to object to planning applications which are considered to pose significant threats to the Forest environment, and to lobby LPAs for the full

representation of Forest interests as they revise their Local Plans.

Members noted that some 91 planning applications had been considered on the Committee’s behalf. Objections were made to 28 applications. From these applications 28% were refused or withdrawn, 32% were granted permission, four

applications remained undecided and the remaining three applications were for

pre-application advice. The 28% refused or withdrawn level compares with

national statistics for 2012/2013 which show a 13% refusal rate.

Discussions ensued regarding the relationship between City Corporation and Epping Forest District Council colleagues. In response to a query, Officers clarified that although colleagues from Epping Forest District Council were invited to Ladies Day many were unable to attend following a major restructure after the Chief Planning Officer’s retirement. Officers informed Members that initiatives were underway to expand the local Liaison group to include colleagues from Epping Forest District Council.

Members agreed that following the outright elections in neighbouring London Boroughs, Officers should seek to build relationships with the relevant Cabinet Members and Leaders of the Councils. The Superintendent informed Members that he had already written to the new Leader of the London Borough of Redbridge. It was noted that the Chairman of Policy and Resources Committee regularly met with the Leaders.