Campaigners have vowed to challenge a 10-home development in “the strongest possible terms”, claiming it would potentially disrupt a historic 200-year-old allotments site.

Dr Harald Gaier, speaking on behalf of households in Monkchester Close, Loughton, and 100 allotment owners, says he would be “horrified” if the plans are approved.

The proposal, submitted by Trevalyn House Limited, includes building 10 houses after demolishing three existing homes, creating a new access road and landscaping.

The scheme was opposed by Loughton Town Council, which considered it an overdevelopment of the site which would encroach on access to historic allotments, known as the Loughton Potato Ground, which dates back to 1813.

Dr Gaier believes there will also be disruption to a registered psychotherapy practice operating in the close.

The renowned alternative therapist, who published the Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Homoeopathy, said treatment requires a “quiet and peaceful environment which will be impossible during construction”.

The Monkchester Close resident said: "The development is just not thought out properly. 

“I don’t know what kind of relationship the council has with developers but I would be horrified if it passed.

“And what of the allotment owners, who are mostly retired? 

"How are they supposed carry their equipment in if they can no longer park near-by?"

"I am very familiar with the site and I am objecting in the strongest possible terms to this development."

The final decision on the application is due to be made by Epping Forest District Council at Roding Valley High School in Loughton on February 4.