Epping Forest MP, Dr Neil Hudson, spoke last night at a packed Public Meeting in Theydon Bois and is strongly objecting to proposals for 150 new homes on Green Belt land beside Theydon Bois Station, warning that the plans threaten the village’s character and risk setting a dangerous precedent for speculative development.
Dr Hudson has continued to work closely with local representatives and residents on this, including with this week’s packed public meeting at Theydon Bois Village Hall, where there was clear and united opposition to the plans. Speaking at the meeting, Dr Hudson highlighted the significant additional pressures the development would place on GP and dental services, school places, biodiversity, the natural environment, and the already overstretched Central Line.
The proposed site sits outside the adopted Local Plan and forms part of the protected Green Belt, which plays a vital role in preserving the distinct identity of Theydon Bois. However, recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework introduced by the Labour Government have increased pressure for development near transport hubs, even in areas already struggling with overstretched infrastructure.
Dr Hudson has been particularly critical of the Government’s introduction of the so-called “grey belt” designation, which arbitrarily targets precious green belt land. He has consistently argued for a brownfield-first approach, prioritising development in major urban centres where infrastructure already exists, alongside stronger protections to prevent villages merging into surrounding towns. The Conservative Party has also made clear its opposition to the grey belt policy and has pledged to revoke it if it forms the next Government.
Just before Christmas, Dr Hudson convened a meeting on this issue with representatives from Theydon Bois Parish Council, and local councillors. Following that meeting, he formally contacted Epping Forest District Council to register his objections, including a call for a full Environmental Impact Assessment.
Protecting the Green Belt has been a central focus of Dr Hudson’s work in Parliament, and he has repeatedly urged the Government to rethink its approach to reclassifying Green Belt land and to ensure local communities retain a genuine voice in planning decisions.
Dr Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, said:
“I was privileged to speak at this packed Public Meeting in Theydon Bois Village Hall about the concerning development proposal for 150 homes on our precious Green Belt. I thank the Theydon Bois Parish Council, the Theydon Bois Action Group, and the Theydon Bois Rural Preservation Society for all their work in this, in addition to everyone here in Theydon who is joining forces and campaigning against these awful proposals.”
“It is deeply concerning that these proposals come forward in an area already under pressure, and that local residents feel they are being overridden by this current Government. Theydon Bois folk have spoken clearly and with one voice.
“I will continue to stand with them and oppose these proposals, while calling for housing to be delivered in the right places, with the infrastructure communities need.”
