A LONG-RUNNING attempt to win permission for 41 new homes on Green Belt land will come before Government inspectors on Tuesday.

Developer Tommy Tomkins has had his application to turn Netherhouse Farm, in Sewardstone Road, Sewardstone, into a 41-home housing estate repeatedly rejected by Epping Forest District Council which is concerned about traffic problems and the impact on the environment but he hopes he will have a more sympathetic hearing from the Planning Inspectorate.

The proposed estate, 80 per cent of which would consist of affordable homes, has attracted objections from neighbours concerned that local facilities would be overwhelmed.

Heather Rawlinson, of Godwin Close, said: “I know you've got to have housing, but I don't think it's in a very good place. How will the people get anywhere? There's no transport, no schooling. There's nothing here.

“No matter what you say sometimes, if it's going to happen it's going to happen. He's put in so many applications I think he'll get the houses.”

Eddie Sinclair, of Sewardstone Road, said: “It's a farm and I don't see why you can't turn it back into a farm. He's looking at putting in golf courses, houses- anything to generate money. If he gets permission for the housing it sets a precedent for housing all along here. You're not going to see a bit of green anywhere along Sewardstone.”

The Planning Inspectorate is due to decide on the fate of the application at a public hearing next Tuesday, December 15, at the civic offices in Epping High Street.

Mr Tomkins said: “I haven't got a clue what will happen. If they want affordable homes we'll get it, if they don't we won't get it.

“We have got a lot of people writing in for us. There's some people against it but they'd vote against a lamppost or a dustbin. We have got a lot of public support. With 80 per cent affordable, well, you don't get much better than that. Let's hope common sense prevails.”