RESIDENTS facing plans to demolish an Essex plant nursery to make way for large warehouses on their doorsteps say the “stress and upset” it has caused is “beyond immeasurable”.
Local residents fear increases in noise, pollution and lorry traffic if plans to demolish buildings at Northfield Nursery, in Sewardstone Road, to make way for a storage and distribution centre are approved by Epping Forest District Council.
Neighbours told the council at a meeting on Wednesday (April 8) that they have strong concerns about noise disturbance and the loss of privacy in their homes. A statement read on behalf of residents said: “To date, the impact to our mental health has been extremely detrimental regarding this matter.
“The stress and upset this has caused the residents is beyond immeasurable. The houses will be drastically devalued and near on impossible to sell as who would want to live with the storage and distribution centre directly at their back fence.
“We believe that storage and distribution companies work around the clock. So when would the residents be able to sleep due to noise and lighting from the site?”
They added they have concerns around privacy with HGV drivers entering and leaving the site being able to look directly into homes and other worries about environmental impacts. The statement added: “Northfield nursery is a haven for wildlife as it is a rural setting and borders a protected Lee Valley Regional Authority and Corporation of London land.
“The residents have badgers in their gardens on a regular basis plus the bats which we understand are protected by law. It’s all very well that others want to buy land for commercial gain but there must be consideration and fairness for the community and the nature that has been here long before. We must look after our precious communities and not allow the erosion for the future generations to come.”
Richard Collins, development consultant for the site said floorspace and building footprint will be reduced by over 70 per cent and those replacements will be pulled back from site boundaries. He added: “This is a far less harmful form of development, quieter, more controlled, and with significantly reduced activity, making it more compatible with both the green belt and nearby homes.
“Vehicle movements will be notably reduced compared to the existing use, delivering clear benefits for local residents, the highway network and the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation.”
The committee agreed to defer the item to a later date so several conditions – that included noise barriers and highway impacts – could be properly developed so the plans could be properly considered.
Planning committee member Chris Whitbread said: “Members are in a difficult place. This is an application where there are no major reasons for refusal because of what it currently is and there are current agreements around it.
“But if we are doing that, let’s make sure we get the conditions right for residents of the area. There are pieces in here that don’t fit together. Let’s make sure we get the jigsaw complete.”
