Potential sites for 11,400 new homes in Epping Forest have been revealed.

Five sites in the district around Harlow are set to bear the brunt of development under the draft Local Plan to 2033, with the possibility for 3,900 homes across Latton Priory and Riddings Lane near Hastingwood, West Sumners and West Katherines near Roydon and the east of Harlow area near Sheering and Matching.

Epping could see the largest number of new homes for a single town – 1,640 – followed by Loughton with 1,190 and Waltham Abbey with 800.

The parish of North Weald Bassett could also see 1,580 new homes.

Hundreds of other homes could be built at other sites around the district, including Theydon Bois, Ongar, Chigwell and Buckhurst Hill.

More than 200 hectares of green belt land could be released for development, a reduction of 0.7 per cent in the district, not including the sites around Harlow.

The proposals have been revealed in a draft version of the Local Plan ahead of next Thursday’s (October 6) cabinet meeting of Epping Forest District Council.

The document will be considered by the full council later in October, ahead of a planned public consultation and the possibility for popular opinion to influence decisions.

Since online publication today (September 27), the plan has already been slammed by the Loughton Residents Association for suggesting that sites such as Lucton’s Playing Field, Jessel Green and Underground station car parks could see hundreds of new homes.

A spokesman said: “This would alter Debden fundamentally and irreversibly.

“It was planned by the London County Council in 1944 to be a green and pleasant garden suburb.

“It remains so today, and most of the houses are owner-occupied with families that need and appreciate the open spaces in the town.

“This proposal is urban intensification on a totally unacceptable scale, and the re-creation of forms of urban development like the slums of the 1850s and the tower blocks of the 1960s.”

District planning councillor John Philip said: “It is important to remember that things could still change between now and the end of October.

“It won’t be finalised until all councillors have had their final say at full council.

“However, by getting this early draft out a month before the official consultation starts, we are ensuring everyone has as much time as possible to consider the issues.”

Over the coming days and weeks, the Epping Forest Guardian will be examining the potential impact of the Local Plan on specific areas of the district. Got an issue you would like to raise, or an area you would like to highlight? Contact reporter Joseph Flaig by phoning 07795 316 211 or email joseph.flaig@london.newsquest.co.uk.