A consultation into how the town should grow has been extended.

The deadline for responses to be made on the Epping Town Neighbourhood Plan has been extended by two weeks, until Tuesday, August 14.

The consultation period is the latest stage in the process which will see Epping have its own Neighbourhood Plan detailing how it intends to grow.

Epping Town Council's Neighbourhood Planning Advisory Committee has been working on the Neighbourhood Plan for the last three years and is now ready to get feedback on the draft document.

Cllr Nigel Avey, The Neighbourhood Planning Advisory Committee Chairman and Town Mayor, said: “Epping Town Council appreciates that Epping will be required to grow over the coming years and wants to positively influence that growth to protect the character of our historic town.

"We are keen to protect a mix of dwellings to reflect the needs of local residents and for these reasons the council chose to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan.”

Epping Town Council started the process with local consultation in 2016 to determine what issues residents care about.

Issues discussed in the plan include transport and parking, the arts, culture and recreation, and the natural environment.

Each household and business in Epping parish (about 5,500 in total) has received a consultation form through their letterbox so they can share their views on the Neighbourhood Plan.

For more information go to www.eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk/, email info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk or ring 01992 579444.

Hard copy responses can be taken to Epping Tesco; Epping Hall; the Epping Delivery Office in Epping High Street; Little Kitchen in Epping High Street; and the Theydon Oak pub.