LRA Aims and Objectives

Loughton Residents Association was formed in 1981 to further the interests of the town and community of Loughton as geographically covered by the Loughton Town Council.

To carry out its functions, the Association has a committee, which is elected annually by the members. It meets every month to deal with the Association's business.

Up to ten issues of a newsletter are circulated each year to keep members informed of the Association's activities, advise on matters of interest and concern, and to seek views and feedback from members on current issues. Two of these newsletters are distributed town-wide to non-members.

The Association concerns itself with all matters which have an impact upon the quality of life of residents, of which the most important are:

THE ENVIRONMENT OF LOUGHTON

• Safeguarding the semi-rural character of the area
• Improvement of the townscape; preservation and reinstatement of lost features

• Protection of Epping Forestand Roding Valley Meadows (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), the Metropolitan Green belt and visual amenities

COMMUNITY FACILITIES

• Retention of recreational, educational and other open land
• Encouraging the development and improvement of the variety and quality of recreational and cultural facilities
• Safeguarding and enhancing public services
• Supporting appropriate privately-run facilities where no suitable public provision exists

PLANNING

• Maintaining a balance between residents' and commercial interests in considering >development proposals
• Initiating suggestions for development where a need exists, and seeking support from the Planning Authority
• Seeking the imposition of essential planning conditions by local authorities, and monitoring their implementation
• Ensuring wide-ranging notification of proposed developments, and full and prompt consultation with interested parties
• Supporting and working towards the enhancement of shopping centres, including an appropriate mix and range of retail and non-retail outlets
• Seeking harmony in the visual aspects of planning, and the protection of good architecture and natural feature
• Seeking adequate access and facilities for the disabled

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

• Supporting the regulation and reduction of traffic flow, encouraging non-vehicular (pedestrian and cyclist) movement
• Opposing traffic schemes which will increase through traffic
• Supporting controlled car parking, sufficient for residents, visitors and businesses
• Seeking reliable integrated public transport links, particularly to London, which meets local needs
  

HOUSING

• Supporting the provision of dwellings for the elderly, first-time buyers and affordable rented accommodation (provided that it does not have a significant adverse effect upon the character of the area) whether by in-filling or estate development

EMPLOYMENT

• Encouraging opportunities for local employment not detrimental to the environment

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS

• Pursuing openness, accountability, financial prudence and effectiveness
• Sponsoring candidates for Town , District and County Council elections
• Offering candidates to serve on other local bodies