ANGRY campaigners and families have raised serious concerns about plans for a huge development with more than 700 homes, a number of traveller pitches and a community centre.

Manor Oak Homes is working with Epping Forest District Council, Essex County Council and other stakeholders on the proposed Parklands development on land north of Parklands, Waltham Abbey.

But campaigners say the area cannot cope with more homes and more roads, health and education services must be built first.

Ilhan Gozubuyuk, said: "I am totally against this development as a resident of Waltham Abbey I don’t think the town can handle such a large amount of development.

"740 home means, minimum of 2,500 to 4,000 plus people, this number is way too many for a small town like Waltham Abbey."

Ann Marston said: "I think it's totally wrong, where are the school places, doctors and services?

"Waltham Abbey is sadly a dumping ground for anything that nobody else would tolerate."

A spokesman for Manor Oak Homes said: "The site is one of several strategic development sites being brought forward by Epping Forest District Council for development to seek to sustainably address the chronic current and future housing needs in the area.

"We are in the early stages of developing a masterplan for the site and have recently consulted residents on our initial proposals.

"As well as seeking to meet the current and future housing needs of the area, the Local Plan also seeks to address the infrastructure needs of current and future residents through a detailed Infrastructure Delivery Plan that seeks to address highway, health, education and other service capacity needs.

"Alongside other housing and employment allocations in the emerging Epping Forest Local Plan, the land north of Parklands, Waltham Abbey will be required to contribute towards infrastructure needs through contributions towards the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and through Planning Agreements with Essex County Council and Epping Forest District Council.”