A library at threat of being demolished to be replaced with a new development has been named an ‘asset of community value.’

Loughton library, in Traps Hill, has been approved as an ‘asset of community value’ by Epping Forest District Council, following a bid by Loughton Town Council.

The decision means Essex County Council (ECC) must give the town council a window of opportunity to be treated as a potential bidder for the asset – ECC is not bound to accept any potential bid.

ECC plans to use almost £800,000 to knock down Loughton Library and rebuild in its place 27 new apartments, for either sale or rent, along with a new library.

The library is current used by 22 community groups and houses the town council’s offices and public meetings.

A spokesperson for Loughton Town Council said the council was pleased the library had been named an asset of value.

The spokesperson added: “Loughton library with its current footprint is widely regarded as the key focal point of Loughton and currently the existing space is sufficient to serve the needs of the community and scope to adapt to further increase in use, as the needs of the local community become more complex and diverse.

“Preservation of the building in its current form is essential.”

Earlier this year, Epping councillor, Chris Pond, warned the development could have a detrimental effect on the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC), just a short walk from the site.

He said: “This site is within four minutes of a special area of conservation and within five minutes’ walk (there are) trees of perhaps a thousand years of age which have been part of the wood pasture of Epping Forest for centuries.

“The extra footfall from residential development near the area of the ancient area of woodland would be highly undesirable because of compaction of the soil.”