New regional plans bring good and bad news

The future of the area remains uncertain following the publication of a report into the East of England Plan. The report recommends to the government that North Weald should not become a site for massive housebuilding. However it does call for Harlow to expand into the Nazeing / Roydon area.

"The government's plans are badly thought out. Everyone accepts we need new dwellings to accommodate local people who need homes and people who work in the area, but the government has not thought through the impact on the environment or the need to improve our infrastructure," said Lib Dem Group Leader councillor Jon Whitehouse. "We are not prepared to sacrifice the character of our area."