Harlow Council has welcomed Epping Forest District Council’s decision to refuse outline planning permission for the Latton Priory development. Harlow Council formally objected to the application last year.
An outline application for up to 1,340 homes at Latton Priory – located on Harlow’s southern border within Epping Forest District – was submitted in October 2024 by Commercial Estates Projects Ltd and Hallam Land.
The application was considered by Epping Forest District Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday (25 February 2026) and was refused on several grounds.
Whilst Harlow Council supports the principle of development across the Garden Town and at Latton Priory, it officially objected to the application last year. The council has consistently stated that the current proposals would not deliver the essential improvements, investment or infrastructure needed to support Harlow. Despite some progress, the plans for the development have still not secured the council’s support.
Councillor Michael Hardware, Harlow Council’s Cabinet Member for Garden Town and Planning, said:
“We very much welcome the decision by Epping Forest’s Planning Committee. It is the right decision for Harlow given our longstanding objections and our concerns that the development would impact our town far more than it would benefit it.
“After a year or so of uncertainty, many Harlow residents will be reassured to see the application refused, especially considering the potential pressures it would place on our roads and local services.
“While we recognise that some progress had been made, the plans had still not reached the level required to earn our support. Latton Priory may sit outside Harlow’s current boundaries, but if it ever goes ahead, it will very much be part of our town. It cannot be a standalone community that adds little to Harlow while increasing demand on our infrastructure.
“Our objections have never been about opposing new homes in principle. Harlow needs the right investment to rebuild our town and renew our neighbourhoods. We will support high‑quality, sustainable developments that genuinely benefit Harlow and our residents. The Gilston villages to the north of the town are a clear example of this – through our Garden Town partnership, we’ve secured £1.3 billion of investment for Harlow. That is the level of commitment and positive impact we expect from major developments on our borders.”
