THOUSANDS more new homes are being earmarked for the area than currently proposed in a “disastrous predicament” for the area.

Epping Forest was advised to build an extra 514 homes a year for the next ten years (5,140) to meet rising demand – but this figure has been increased in the government’s latest draft plans.

Under the new system, 923 homes a year would have to be built in the area each year (9,230) for the next 10 years, an increase of 79.5 per cent.

Now Conservative MP Eleanor Laing has called for an urgent meeting with Communities and Local Government Secretary, Sajid Javid.

“This figure is unsustainable and I've asked the Secretary of State to meet with me as a matter of urgency,” she said.

She met with leader of Epping Forest District Council, Cllr Chris Whitbred, and planning portfolio holder John Philip and says they all agree the news is “worrying”.

The government’s formula is applies to all boroughs and towns, irrespective of size or population.

But Ms Laing believes Epping Forest will be adversely affected to a “greater extent” than anyone else in the country.

In her letter to Mr Javid, Mrs Laing states: "I can see why the new formula will work well in some parts in the country but, as with every 'one size fits all' formula, it does not work for Epping Forest.

"We have a particular problem in Epping Forest because we are adjacent to the London boundary and therefore subject to the pressures of London, including higher house prices, but we do not benefit from London infrastructure.”

The only other authorities which have a change similar to the 80 per cent required of Epping Forest are London boroughs.

Her letter adds: "Because Epping Forest suffers from the same high house prices as London, your formula treats us as if we are in London. We are not in London.

"Epping Forest would be subject to an increase of 79.5 per cent. The district comprises 94 per cent Green Belt land, including the ancient Forest.

“Putting these two statistics together, your proposals for Epping Forest district are simply impossible to fulfil."

The current figure of 5,140 new homes over the next ten years is already "significantly large", Mrs Laing says.

In her letter, Mrs Laing highlights the "assiduous" work being undertaken on the Epping Forest Local Plan and the consultation which has been carried out "at every stage".

Her letter also sees her voice concerns about the infrastructure, roads, schools and NHS facilities, which will be unable to deal with the pressures.

Mrs Laing's letter adds that she hopes the difficulties imposed by the constraints of Green Belt land will mean that Epping Forest "can be recognised as being something of an anomaly and that the crude statistic of a required increase of some 80 per cent in our assessed housing need can be modified.

"I hope that you will accept my analysis of the disastrous predicament in which your draft plans would put by constituency and that you will be able to meet me in the near future in order to discuss the matter further."