Plans have been approved for 184 new homes which will replace a former school on St John’s Road.

The new site will provide 184 new homes, including 46 affordable homes and will “revitalise the derelict former school site.”

The new plans also include refurbishing the locally listed Centrepoint building and Cookery school to restore its heritage and bring them back into use.

Complimented by green biodiverse landscaping and increased tree planting to include fruits trees.

The St John’s consultations have been going on for ten years and were finally approved at the council’s Development Committee Meeting on Wednesday, October 27.

Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council said: “It has been a long and difficult process, but we are now on the cusp of delivery.

“Our younger residents who are driven from Epping by the high price of property have been crying out for starter homes.

“Over those ten years, the environmental climate change debate has also driven the process, shaping our plans.

“All the new developments will be at the cutting edge of sustainable energy use, making Epping an even more green and attractive place to work and live.”

Simon Rutter, Managing Director of Qualis Commercial, commented:

“Through extensive public consultation with over 10,500 visitors to our website and over 2,200 contributions these schemes have evolved from feedback received throughout the comprehensive process.

“We now look forward to delivering these quality schemes that will bring financial and community benefits to the district.”

“The approvals mark an important step and early milestone in delivering the aspirations of Qualis that has been formed to drive regeneration across the district, creating jobs, economic growth and better public amenities’’.

“The team has worked closely with experts to ensure that the schemes are sustainable and sympathetic to the environment they will impact. These sites will be delivered as a comprehensive plan for the town centre that will complement and enhance the existing High Street and see a vibrant cohesive community develop.”