A group of activists from Stamford Hill is planning to start a new Charedi community in the Essex town of Harlow.

The expanding Charedi population in Hackney and the high cost of housing in inner London have prompted the search for new locations.

Rabbi Asher Gratt, initiator of the Harlow project, said that given its close proximity to Stamford Hill, “I see this as a win-win situation for both communities”.

He added that "we are a very enterprising society providing thousands of jobs for local residents from outside our community. By relocating some of our homes, institutions and businesses to Harlow we would create many employment and business opportunities for the people of Harlow, while solving our acute housing needs".."

While Harlow is mentioned in the Domesday Book more than 900 years ago, a new town was built after the Second World War.

A number of other places in Essex are also being considered by Charedi groups as they look for affordable housing for large families.

A vacant school site has been bought in Canvey Island on the Thames Estuary to serve as the educational hub of a new strictly Orthodox community and a number of Stamford Hill families have bought homes there.

Notices have also advertised a new community in Westcliff, which plans to use the building of the Southend Hebrew Congregation as a school during weekdays.

Another Stamford Hill group is also understood to be exploring East Tilbury as a possible location.

Meanwhile, a group from Golders Green is pursuing plans to start a new Orthodox community in a housing development in Hemel Hempstead.