Matching Green Chequers pub extension granted on appeal

The Chequers Pub in Matching Green will be extended by 102 square metres to improve its kitchen and dining facilities.

The scheme, led by Cheffins Planning Department, will replace a cluster of sub-standard outbuildings at the 19th century country pub with a single, larger, and more functional space.

Toni Hylton, senior planner at Cheffins, said: "We were asked to submit a planning application on behalf of the pub to remove the existing compound of mixed sub-standard buildings and propose an extension to this area as well as to remove the outside dining area covered by an awning and replace it with a like-for-like footprint rear extension.

"The compound which was on site was a series of buildings which accommodated the kitchen; bins; food prep area; wash area and was impacting the business’s ability to retain staff.

"The applicant wanted to provide a good-sized kitchen that could be in one location, not a series of substandard buildings.

"Through the submission of detailed appeal statement, we were finally successful in the application being allowed at appeal, and the pub will be working on its extension in the near future."

Epping Forest Council had originally refused the application in November 2025, citing concerns of "overdevelopment" that would "result in harm to the significance of the host building", which sits on green belt land and within a conservation area.

The council also raised concerns about the location of a proposed bin store, saying it could cause "harmful levels of noise, disturbance and odour" for nearby residents.

The extension was approved on appeal in August.