Vision and proposals
Our vision for the site is to create a place
that feels connected, inclusive and rooted in the natural surroundings of Epping.
Beautiful, welcoming public open spaces
Safe, accessible walking and cycling routes
A sensitively planned neighbourhood of around 125 homes of which 50% will be affordable housing
Spaces designed to support wellbeing, play, and community
A landscape that enhances biodiversity and allows wildlife to thrive
By focusing development on a small part of the site,
the proposals protect over 80% of the wider site as natural, accessible open space.
Precedent image showing landscaped areas alongside new homes
New spaces for nature
At the heart of our proposal for the site is the creation of large, accessible nature spaces for the community likely to include open meadows, natural grasslands and wildlife-rich habitats designed to feel expansive and uplifting.
We would welcome your views on how this space can work best for the community however, it is likely to include:
- Wildflower meadows and naturalised grasslands
- Ponds and wetland areas
- New tree planting and woodland pockets
- Walking, jogging and dog-walking routes
- Accessible paths linking to local services, parks and Epping railway station
Securing the land for the future
Today the land is privately owned and while it is currently used by some with informal access, long-term access is not guaranteed.
Our proposals create an opportunity to:
- Secure large parts of the site as protected green spaces
- Enhance habitats for wildlife
- Introduce accessible footpaths and community-friendly routes
- Ensure the landscape is cared for and protected for years to come
An application has also been made in 2024 for a new Public Right of Way to be recognised within the site. Where possible, the route will be installed within the new public open space.
New spaces for nature
At the heart of our proposal for the site is the creation of a large, accessible nature spaces for the community likely to include open meadows, natural grasslands and wildlife-rich habitats designed to feel expansive and uplifting.
We would welcome your views on how this space can work best for the community however, it is likely to include:
- Wildflower meadows and naturalised grasslands
- Ponds and wetland areas
- New tree planting and woodland pockets
- Walking, jogging and dog-walking routes
- Accessible paths linking to local services, parks and Epping railway station
Securing the land for the future
Today the land is privately owned and while it is currently used by some with informal access, long-term access is not guaranteed.
Our proposals create an opportunity to:
- Secure large parts of the site as protected green spaces
- Enhance habitats for wildlife
- Introduce accessible footpaths and community-friendly routes
- Ensure the landscape is cared for and protected for years to come
An application has also been made in 2024 for a new Public Right of Way to be recognised within the site. Where possible, the route will be installed within the new public open space.
New homes in the right place
Alongside the attractive new green open spaces and parkland, we are proposing a neighbourhood sized development of around 125 homes (including 50% affordable homes) to meet pressing local housing needs.
The affordable housing will be provided by a registered housing provider and will be delivered as a mix of discount market rent and shared ownership.
Alongside affordable housing, new homes will include:
- A mix of family homes and smaller properties
- Attractive, landscaped streets
- Access to safe walking and cycling routes
- Convenient routes to local shops, services and Epping railway station
Our ambition for the site is to create a well-designed neighbourhood that complements the landscape and feels part of the community.
To create a visually attractive new neighbourhood, the design of the streets will incorporate new planting, rain gardens and well-designed front gardens.
Streets will be lined with trees helping to soften the look of new homes and create a leafy neighbourhood feel.
Rain gardens and planting will help manage rainwater naturally whilst also supporting wildlife and front gardens will include hedges, flowers and small trees for a nature-friendly environment.
Lighting will be carefully considered to avoid unnecessary brightness and protect the countryside setting at night. A mix of low level lighting and streetlights will provide safe and well lit streets without over-lighting. Lights will also be positioned to reduce glare and limit spilling into surrounding areas.
A primary vehicle and all modes access is proposed into the site off Stonards Hill, with potential pedestrian and cycle accesses off Hartland Road, Kendal Avenue and Stonards Hill. The accesses into the site have been designed to create an even distribution off traffic into and around the site. Pedestrian routes through the site will also allow for easy access to Epping rail station.
Landscape and Wildlife
We are creating over 11ha (roughly 15 football pitches) of new green space across the site – a network of parks, meadows and walking routes designed for people and wildlife.
This is not just landscaping around new homes, it is about creating a new piece of Epping’s green landscape that feels natural, welcoming and part of the countryside.
The proposals start with what is already on the site including trees, open views and existing habitats and builds around them to ensure that:
- Important trees and hedgerows are protected
- More planting like oak, hawthorn and wildflower meadows can be delivered
- Green edges that soften the development can be created
- Space can be left for open views across the landscape
A new park in the heart of the community
At the centre of the new development will be a community park designed to be a welcoming space for new and existing residents.
A new park in the heart of the community
At the centre of the new development will be a community park designed to be a welcoming space for new and existing residents.
It will be planned as a multi-use space
and provide a vibrant and inclusive environment
for the Epping community.
A space for everyday enjoyment
The parkland will include:
- Open areas for picnics, relaxing and games
- Spaces for community events and gatherings
- Seating areas to meet, pause and enjoy the surroundings
A place for children and young people
It will be a key place for play with:
- A larger equipped play area for children
- Smaller spaces nearby for younger children
- Natural play features like logs and trails
The aim is to create somewhere that feels fun, safe and engaging for a wide range of ages not just young children.
Easy to walk and cycle through
A main walking and cycling route will pass through the park linking
- Stonards Hill
- Hartland Road
- Kendall Avenue
This means that rather than just a destination, the parkland will be part of people’s everyday journeys.
A green link for wildlife
Different spaces for different moments
As well as being a space for people, the park and green open spaces will also play an important role for nature.
It will act as a green corridor, helping wildlife move between:
- The more natural areas to the west
- The wider green spaces to the east and south
Extra planting around the edges will help create a softer transition into surrounding habitats, supporting biodiversity while making the park feel greener and more enclosed.
One of the key id75.5eas for the landscaping is creating a range of spaces to explore, not just one park.
Across the site you will be able to find:
- Wildflower meadows with pollinators
- New woodland areas and shaded walking routes
- A community orchard for local food growing
- A nature area around the existing pond with places to sit and relax
- Quieter and more natural areas that prioritise wildlife
A green link for wildlife
One of the key ideas for the landscaping is creating a range of spaces to explore, not just one park.
Across the site you will be able to find:
- Wildflower meadows with pollinators
- New woodland areas and shaded walking routes
- A community orchard for local food growing
- A nature area around the existing pond with places to sit and relax
- Quieter and more natural areas that prioritise wildlife
Different spaces for different moment
As well as being a space for people, the park and green open spaces will also play an important role for nature.
It will act as a green corridor, helping wildlife move between:
- The more natural areas to the west
- The wider green spaces to the east and south
Extra planting around the edges will help create a softer transition into surrounding habitats, supporting biodiversity while making the park feel greener and more enclosed.
A landscape you can explore
The landscape is designed to be used and enjoyed every day.
A network of walking and cycling routes will run through the site, linking different spaces and creating a variety of routes to explore.
- A circular walking route (around 640m) will loop through the natural areas
- This connects to over 2km of additional paths across the site
- Routes will pass through meadows, woodland edges, the park, and quieter nature areas
Paths are designed to be easy to use, with gentle gradients where possible, and will connect into nearby streets and existing routes. A new public right of way is also proposed.
Seating, signage, and nature information will be included along the way, making it easy to explore, pause, and enjoy the surroundings.
A place for wildlife to thrive
As well as being great for people, the landscape is designed to support wildlife at every level.
Our proposals include:
- Creating a mix of habitats including meadow, woodland, wetland and scrub
- Planting flowers and trees that support bees, butterflies and birds
- Adding bird boxes, bat boxes and insect habitats
- Creating “hedgehog highways” so small animals can move freely
Overall, the aim is to leave the site richer in nature than it is today, with at least a 10% increase in biodiversity.
When completing our feedback form, we would be interested to hear about what would make this parkland work for you, if there are any features you would like to see included and if you have any suggestions for what we should call it.
When completing our feedback form, we would be interested to hear about what would make this parkland work for you, if there are any features you would like to see included and if you have any suggestions for what we should call it.
Our commitment to sustainability
Our approach is rooted in creating places
that are environmentally and socially resilient.
We are exploring opportunities for:
Net‑zero‑ready, energy‑efficient homes
Air‑source heat pumps
Solar‑ready roofs
Electric vehicle car clubs
Community spaces powered by renewable energy
Nature‑led design throughout the masterplan
An energy-efficient development to reduce energy bills for residents
Next steps
Our public consultation period has now closed. We will now take the time to carefully review feedback and refine the proposals before submitting a planning application to Epping Forest District Council. There will be further opportunities for the community to comment as part of the planning process.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the proposals, please contact the project team.
info@stonardshillconsultation.co.uk
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(no further address details or stamps required)
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the proposals, please contact the project team.
info@stonardshillconsultation.co.uk
FREEPOST – CRATUS COMMUNICATIONS
(no further address details or stamps required)
