A council-owned development company has begun clearing work for a major Epping project by felling several pre-approved trees.

Qualis Commercial, tasked with delivering the St John's Road housing development, has been clearing brambles, soft vegetation and debris undergrowth with "no ecological value" on the site.

Smaller hedges and trees that overhang the boundary line will be cut back in the coming weeks and trees, that have been approved by the project's arboriculture consultant, will also be removed pending inspections for possible bird nests.

The housing development will see new trees added to the site as construction progresses, Qualis says.

A spokesperson for Qualis said: "The purpose of the work is to create a safe and clear area to enable further site surveys and investigations to be undertaken which will form part of the planning application."

A recent public consultation held by the council-owned company saw 500 residents attend to give their views on draft proposals for five sites in Epping town centre, including St John's Road.

The exhibition was held in Epping’s St John’s Church. Reverend Lee Batson said: “We are delighted and privileged to have been able to host this important public exhibition and provide the opportunity for the whole community to take part.

“The church belongs to the whole of Epping and we want to make our great space available to any community group who are looking for a space to use now or in the future. If anyone is interested I would be happy to talk further.”

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