TBAG were represented at the Planning Committee East Meeting at Civic Offices on 24th October 2012 and can report that the recommendation by EFDC Planning Officers to grant permission for a luxury, 5 bedroom, ‘eco’ dwelling on this Green Belt site was APPROVED. This was despite strong objections, notably from the City of London Superintendent of Epping Forest, our own Parish Council and TBAG and also contrary to Local Plan policies and paragraphs of the current National Planning Policy Framework. The vote was equally split, with several abstentions, and the Chairman used his casting vote to settle the matter in favour of approval. However, as the application relates to green belt land, the application automatically goes to District Development Control Committee and TBAG hope to make further representations against any development on this site. This application relates to part of the Coppice Farm site which is one of the three possible sites for development, as set out in the recent Issues & Options Consultation. TBAG were disappointed to note that our own two Ward District Councillors, Councillors Sue Jones and John Philip who are residents of this village, both abstained from voting on this application, despite claiming to promote protection of our green belt in their party political communications to villagers. TBAG is seeking comment from the Councillors on this issue. See the webcast at http://www.eppingforestdc.public-i.tv/core (Area Planning Subcommittee East, Wed, 24th Oct 2012 – 7:30 pm) at 00:10:53.