THE final say on plans for housing and a new St John's School in Epping lies with a planning inspector after the controversial proposals, approved by the district council, were called in' by the Secretary of State.

A public inquiry into the plans - which include 3.67 hectares earmarked for housing - has been held at the Civic Offices, Epping, when a host of witnesses gave evidence for and against the development.

The scheme has come under fire because it involves green belt land.

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing told the Guardian: "It's important that all the issues connected with the proposals for the new school are aired in public and properly argued through. This is a matter of getting the right balance for the benefit of our local community."

Mrs Laing, who has arranged and convened three meetings over the last two years to bring local people together on the issue, added: "I'm well aware of the strength of feelings and that's one reason why I'm pleased the whole matter is now being fully examined in public.

"On the one hand there's an urgent need for better school facilities in Epping. On the other hand it's vitally important to protect the green belt and cause as little disruption as possible to people who live in the vicinity of the school.

"After years of consideration and consultation I believe that although a small amount of green belt land would be lost if the planning permission were granted, the essential principle which protects the sanctity of the green belt would not be undermined because this is such an exceptional case."

Mrs Laing added: "I care passionately about protecting the green belt. I presented to Parliament a petition calling for the protection of the green belt and signed by some 13,000 local people. I could not support the application if I considered it created a precedent which would allow house building on green belt land. As this is an exception, however, it does not create a precedent and, therefore, does not put the green belt in danger.

"The primary purpose of the planning application is not to build houses on green belt land but to facilitate the replacement of an old school with a new school. Clearly that creates an exception, not a precedent.

"It would be preferable if no green belt land were to be lost at all. Unfortunately funds are not available to build a much needed new school and the only way of funding a new building is to sell the land on which the current school stands and to allow a modest housing development upon it.

"I'm only too well aware my support for the plans will make me unpopular with some people. However it's not my duty to be popular - it is my duty to do what is in the best interests of the local community. Future generations of Epping children deserve the best education we can provide for them."