THE DEVELOPERS behind proposals to build a 700 home settlement have questioned why it was not included in the Local Plan as they prepare to put a full application to the council.

In January a speculative document produced by Quinn Estates revealed proposals for hundreds of new homes in a 'garden village' style development near North Weald Golf Club, also including a 'sports hub', a business park, new schools and a medical centre.

At the time an Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) spokesperson said the proposals had already been looked at when the council's 15 year, 11,400 home Local Plan was being produced, but was not consulted on due to its location on Greenbelt Land and away from existing settlements.

The developers have not been deterred however, preparing a planning application that will be submitted 'soon' and taking aim at the council's decision to reject the Local Plan proposition.

The company's chairman Mark Quinn said: "Within the national planning policy framework they should be looking at sites just like this.

"We have no idea why it was rejected. We don't think it was looked at in a proper fashion. We think there are flaws in the planning process and how sites are judged.

"We are providing a very well thought out opportunity with 40 per cent affordable housing."

Mr Quinn claimed the company had received 1,000 letters of support for the outline proposals and that Quinn Estates' employees would be watching CK Properties court case with EFDC with interest.

On May 23 and 24 Theydon Bois based CK Properties will argue at the High Court of Justice that the council did not publish all required information before voting on the final version of the Local Plan.

If they are successful, developers such as CK and Quinn Estates may find themselves able to re-submit or make the case for their rejected applications.

Mr Quinn added: "We are writing a further response following the court process, which we look forward to the outcome of with interest.

"We wouldn't consider legal action. We would like to work with the council. We will be submitting a planning application soon. We want to show that there are no objections."

Mr Quinn's confidence was mirrored by councillor John Philip, EFDC's planning portfolio holder, who believes the council will win its legal battle.

He said: "When all the evidence is placed before the judge, we fully expect to win the review.

"We are still on target to agree 11,400 homes during the Local Plan period up to 2033.”