Government plans to create a new town near Epping Forest mean “massive” building in the area is now inevitable, it has been claimed.

Ministers have identified a site in the Gilston area - north of Harlow on the Essex and Hertfordshire border - as a potential site for 10,000 new homes.

Seven distinct villages, each separated by green space, are planned for the site, organised around Gilston Park, a central area of parkland.

Daniel Galati, land and new homes director at Epping-based estate agent Mullucks Wells, said construction of homes on a massive scale in the area was now unavoidable.

However, Mr Galati said the low density of the planned project and proposals to protect surrounding countryside offered positives. 

He said: “As a local resident, I have the same concerns as anyone else. 

“But I think we have to accept that this latest announcement means that building on a massive scale in the Harlow and Gilston area is now inevitable. 

“Whilst this will bring its own challenges, we also have to recognise that there are accompanying benefits as well.”

“Density is key. The masterplan indicates that density will be limited to 15 dwellings per hectare. 

“Many other sites elsewhere have been developed with more than twice that number of houses per hectare. 

“This means that there will be plenty of incidental and strategic open space available, helping to preserve and protect the countryside nearby.”

Harlow and Gilston is one of three larger scale new towns signed off by the government, as well as developments in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and Taunton in Somerset.

Ministers have also backed 14 smaller bids across the country to develop new communities containing between 1,500 and 10,000 properties.

The plans are expected to create a series of new communities with green spaces, good transport links and quality affordable homes in an effort to tackle the UK’s housing crisis.

Epping Forest, East Herts and Harlow District Councils have received a joint £500,000 grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

The cash will be used to build a "strategic team" between the authorities and to involve local communities in the development of the master plan.

Cllr John Philip, planning portfolio holder for Epping Forest council, said: ”The regeneration of Harlow is key to the success of our region.

"The whole area will benefit from the coordinated strategic provision of new homes, employment and social infrastructure in and around Harlow. 

"It makes sense and I am therefore delighted to see the DCLG putting its weight and money behind the proposals.

"This funding will enable us to support local communities, parish and town councils to be involved in shaping the future of this area."