A public inquiry has concluded over plans to build a distribution centre and multi-storey car park for retailer Next.
The clothing and home chain wants to build a new centre on land north of Dowding Way in Waltham Abbey but saw plans rejected by Epping Forest District Council in June 2021.
The council rejected the proposal because of concerns over the green belt and that the A121 would struggle to accommodate the 1,000 extra lorry movements likely to be generated.
Next launched an appeal earlier this year, announcing it had made some revisions to its scheme in response to comments from the council and community.
Read more: Next launches appeal after distribution centre plan rejected
That appeal, which was overseen by a Government-appointed planning inspector, was held at the council offices last week.
It offered an opportunity for interested parties to give representations about why the appeal should or should not be upheld.
Following the conclusion of the public inquiry on May 26, the inspector will now examine all of the evidence before making a final decision on the appeal.
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