Buying in epping right now?

[hastalavista]

Please can someone in the know let me know their thoughts. We've seen a house that we would love to buy in Epping, which ticks all the boxes for us. However, two things worry me: 1) the huge number of house building that is going to happen in Epping and 2) the proposed CAZ restrictions along many major roads. I do get that people need houses so I can accept the house building but I'm more concerned with the Clean Air Zone. My husband says that within 10 years all cars will be electric anyway so we'd be ok but as there are no firm details on any of the plans maybe the CAZ will be a daily toll on any vehicles. There is a train station in Epping but I dont want to just rely on that, plus the bus service isnt great compared to London. Thoughts please especially from any local people!!!!! Thank you!!!

What is your issue with clean air zone exactly?

You don't want clean air zone or your worry the CAZ won't be enough to clean the air to a healthy level?

I'm confused. The Clean Air Zone is about vehicle emissions, isnt it? Why would tolls apply to electricity vehicles, which don't emit fumes?

Basically the Clean Air Zone details haven't been finalised. It will probably mean a daily toll to drive through the roads that go through or near epping forest. The problem is that that is all the roads that go towards the outskirts of london. The charge may be for all vehicles or possibly electric ones may be exempt. The details have not been finalised. The reason it is being done is because the council has to build lots of houses and they are building some very close to the forest. Legally they have to make 'modifications ' to offset the impact of this building on the forest, and so their strategy is to make the roads through the forest 'clean air zones' to offset the damage of building the houses. I am not against clean air but before bidding on a house in the area I wanted to know peoples thoughts on whether the changes would make living in Epping very difficult. I know Sadiq Khan is planning to make the whole of London a Clean Air Zone in the next ten years anyway. However I think in London TFL has the infrastructure for good buses etc but I'm worried that Epping may become a very isolated place to live??

Can someone who knows the area and is privy to what is going on give me their opinions? I've tried to Google stuff but the details are not set in stone at the moment so it seems like such a gamble. Thank you

All current Clean Air Zones are based on vehicle emissions. I don't understand why you think electric vehicles will be included.

I think OP is worried that she won’t be able to drive without paying a toll charge in the future. OP, I don’t know anything about the area but isn’t the solution to buy an electric car yourself as this would be exempt from any potential toll?

@hastalavista

I’ve relocated from the Epping area to Dorset, but strongly suggest that you join the Facebook group ‘Everything Epping Forest’ and I’m sure you will get some replies to your questions.

Hope this helps!

Thank you. I will join that group. I think maybe in the future all cars will be penalised especially in London as even electric cars produce pollution from tyres etc.

Hi @hastalavista
I live in Epping - actually opposite fields where new housing has been proposed. We have been keeping a close eye on plans, and it looks like the one near me will be a lot smaller than originally proposed. Not sure if this is the same development that you mean, but I'm happy to answer any questions.

There has been talk for some time about a charge to drive through the forest, but as it's all tied in with the Local Plan nothing has been finalised. Something does need to change on a wider level though, as traffic is often horrendous around Wake Arms roundabout, and there's constant congestion along Epping High Rd.

There has also been talk around improving access to the M11 from Loughton which would also help traffic flow in Epping.

As you say though, there will be a change to electric cars which will help anyway.