AFTER two years of worry, concern, and confusion the Government has finally agreed to drop the formal consultation over extra gypsy and traveller pitches in the district.

Coalition government minister Greg Clark MP has written to Epping Forest District Council confirming the requirement to find an extra 34 pitches in the district through formal consultation has now been withdrawn.

When the original requirements were announced in 2008 thousands of residents formed into action groups across the district to fight against the proposals.

Waltham Abbey Residents Association chairman Ann Mitchell said: “People will be breathing a sigh of relief. We have had this burden on our shoulders for nearly two years now, and people felt we just weren't being listened to. We recruited over 4,000 members and this shows our work did matter in the end- someone listened.”

A spokeswoman for Theydon Bois Action Group said: “We are delighted that the Government have withdrawn the direction. It’s a pity that so much stress has been created and so much time and money wasted on this unnecessary venture.”

Calls have now been made for the district council to formally scrap the Development Plan Provision (DPP) document it drew up for the consultation.

David Jenkins, 45, of Woodside, Thornwood, who owns land which the document highlighted as a possible site for pitches, said: “It's fantastic news. Now we just need the DPP to be lifted. People's properties are still being blighted until that is withdrawn.

“The council still need to plan and at the moment this is the only document on on the table. The Government have acted and now the local council needs to do its part.”

Council leader Di Collins said the Government's decision would be marked by celebration among residents and councillors alike.

She said: “This is fantastic news. I am absolutely delighted. The Direction has been a millstone around our necks for three years.”

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing also welcomed the news adding: “I am delighted that the new Government have fulfilled its promise to deal with the issue of the provision of gypsy and traveller sites as a matter of urgency.

“I sincerely hope that Epping Forest District Council will now consider that it is free to act in the best interests of the residents of the area.”