THE CONSERVATIVE group has recommitted itself to building on Jessel Green as it looks back on its achievements ahead of the Local Elections.

With Epping Forest preparing to go to the polls on May 3, the Tories are hoping to win another commanding majority on the district council.

The group's primary opposition is the Loughton Resident's Association (LRA), which has dominated the town's wards and won plaudits for its fight to save Jessel Green - a field earmarked for 154 houses under the council's Local Plan.

Councillor Gavin Chambers, deputy chairman political of the district's Conservative Association, reconfirmed the party's commitment to the project.

He said: "The district council needs to deliver 11,400 homes by 2033. Originally there were numerous open spaces in Loughton and this has come down to 0.5 per cent of (the town).

"Across the District there are residents who don’t want new homes next to them and the Local Plan has been thorough and long consultation, and councillors of all political party’s including the LRA had the opportunity to shape it by attending workshops and at Council meetings.

"It’s the easy option to leave the hard decisions to others."

Cllr Chambers went on to explain why he thought Loughton residents should elect Conservative councillors.

"The LRA remain the official opposition with the Liberals, and UKIP barely keeping its head above water these days," he said.

"The LRA promote themselves by saying they are not a political party but in most of their literature to residents they very much demonstrate they are political by constantly being critical of the Conservatives' policy and exaggerating minor situations to residents.

"A Conservative voice in Loughton would give residents the very opportunity to have a real voice in the running of the council and more influence over policy and direction for the future. "Loughton would benefit from more influence with the group which runs the Council."

Another key issue in Loughton - albeit the Debden end - is The Broadway, a shopping parade struggling to compete with online retailers and the newly built Shopping Park on Langston Road.

Cllr Chambers added: "Regarding Debden Broadway, we have already promised to look at the impact of the Epping Forest Shopping park but there is a high demand for shops on The Broadway.

"A majority of people would hail the Langston Road Shopping Park a great success."

Looking back at the last several years of Conservative rule, Cllr Chambers reflected on his party's local highlights.

He said: "We have continued to invest in the local area. Though our Leisure contract there are improvements to Loughton pool.

"Conservatives have been active in addressing anti social behaviour issues and we are employing three police to be tasked for Epping Forest.

"We continue to run grant aid which provide many charities and local organisation with a financial boost.

"New council houses have been built in Loughton and Waltham Abbey for the first time in 30 years.

"New 7.5 years allocation policy for people joining the council waiting list means local people have a better chance.

"In the year ahead we will continue to keep the Districts share of the council tax under control, look forward to the opening of a new sports centre in Waltham Abbey, continue to deliver council houses within the district and modernise the Council."