Harlow’s MP has told the developers of a proposed highway crossing of the River Stort to “go back to the drawing board”.

Plans for a road to run from Pye Corner on Eastwick Road to Edinburgh Way, crossing the river, fields and wetlands, to connect the proposed the proposed 8,500-home development at Gilston Garden Town with Harlow.

Robert Halfon, has stepped up his calls for the Stort Crossing developers to “go back to the drawing board” by tabling a motion in Parliament on the matter.

Epping Forest Guardian:

The proposed road would link Pye Corner and Edinburgh Way. Photo: Google Maps

In a statement, Mr Halfon said: “After listening hard to many Harlow residents, I am increasingly worried about the impact of these proposals on the beautiful environment of our Stort Valley and the threat to our nature and environment.

“This problem was inherited from the previous Labour Council who agreed to these proposals in the Local Plan in 2020. The Conservatives voted against that Local Plan.

“My belief is that Labour made a mistake and that the developer should go back to the drawing board.

“I will continue to make representation to the relevant Councillors and local authorities – as I have already done.”

The MP, who has represented the town since 2010, used the motion to call for the Government to “put pressure onto the developers to reassess those plans” adding the proposed crossing would have a terrible impact on ‘the beautiful environment and local wildlife’.

A petition, created by resident Maria Ottermum, opposing the road has amassed almost 5,000 signatures.

She said: “The proposal put forward by the developers of the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town, runs through wetlands, across lakes and will destroy huge areas of woodland.

“The damage to the habitat of the wildlife in the area will be damaged beyond repair… The historical importance of this site has not been considered in these plans, neither has the lack of public transport and the visual impact of the project.”