THE number of homes being earmarked for the Epping Forest district has increased by more than 10,000, to 18,600, latest figures have revealed.

Initially a regional planning policy report stated that some 8,000 new homes would need to be built in the district.

But now the district figure has increased substantially.

Epping Forest Council said it was "dismayed" at the latest figure and said the number could not be justified.

The latest figure is outlined in the draft regional planning guidance document that is due to be reported to the East of England Regional Assembly.

Council leader Michael Heavens said: "This report is different from all the reports published last year suggesting major growth in our district around Harlow.

"The others were commissioned to inform decisions." He added: "To be pragmatic, I think we all realise that some level of development in the district is not only inevitable, but if controlled properly could also be beneficial.

"However we do not believe anyone has been able to justify the large increases now proposed."

The draft report suggests that Epping Forest could accommodate 8,000 homes in North Weald and 10,200 on the edge of Harlow (but within the Epping Forest district), in addition to sites for 2,400 homes within the district's existing capacity.

In addition to the extra housing new roads would be required, including a Harlow bypass and commercial expansion to provide jobs for the influx of new residents, the council said. Planning and economic development portfolio holder Dorothy Paddon said: "No-one has been able to justify such large-scale development in the district.

"The Government and the regional assembly have got to wake up to the realisation that we are a special area.

"Epping Forest provides vital green belt space between London and East Anglia.

"Development on this scale so close to London will simply add to commuting into the capital, with intolerable pressures upon the transport infrastructure."

She added: "We do have some serious housing needs in the district and some greenfield land take is probably inevitable but the regional and national powers must recognise that these latest proposals will create more problems for the future than they claim to solve."