Jennikings garden centre has permission for 69 homes

Epping Forest Distrct Council agreed in principle last week to the construction of 69 homes on the site of Jennikings garden centre, in Manor Road, Chigwell, but their decision must now be ratified by the Government as it is against the council's own policy.

Morris Hickey, of Long Green, Chigwell, has organised a meeting this Saturday to encourage residents to make their voices known on the issue.

He said: “That meeting last Tuesday was an absolute disgrace. I'm quite confident a number of people will turn up. There's a vast amount of people within the immediate vicinity who have no idea what's going on.”

Barry Fleetwood, of Manor Road, Chigwell, who has organised much of the campaign against the homes, said Ilford North MP Lee Scott would be present at the meeting to discuss the way forward.

He added: “On that particular piece of Green Belt land there's a garden centre which is permitted use. This ruling means in Epping Forest everywhere with a shed on it is open to redevelopment. That's the implication of this decision. We think we have got a good case.

“We are going to ask everyone to put their objections to Go East. Because it's Green Belt land it has to go there albeit with the council's recommendation. Because it's a major policy change who knows what they will do with it.”

Because developer Graham Cox has now gained outline permission for the land, he has the power to activate a clause in the lease of Jennikings garden centre forcing it to vacate the premises within six months.

Jennikings manager Rowena King said: “It's not about councils. It's about our garden centre, the community and Green Belt land. It's my livelihood and my job. We need as many people to hear our plea as possible. The more people who support us the better chance we stand.”

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 12pm this Saturday (October 17) in the car park of Jennikings.