Campaigners vow to fight homes threat to Maldon meadow

There are fears a huge new estate could be built on Primrose Meadow, in Mundon Road, after it was earmarked for housing by Essex County Council.

County Hall revealed the proposal earlier this summer, although no planning applications have been submitted to Maldon District Council yet.

Protestors have set up the Stand Against Primrose Meadow Development campaign group.

The field is used by young footballers

It already has more than 500 members.

Karen Andrews is one of the campaigners and the local residents’ association chairman.

She was made aware of the potential homes bid by neighbours.

Karen said: “They were out and about rather early around January time and saw somebody taking measurements on the field and out of curiosity asked, and caught somebody who said they were surveying with a view for an application to be submitted.”

Karen has lived on Primrose Walk for 34 years and fought a previous application for development on the much-loved field about 13 years ago.

“We were able to thwart that and successful in stopping anything happening at that time,” she added.

“Several other people, not just from Primrose Walk but also from the Poets Estate and further afield, got involved that time around.”

Karen and her neighbours decided to set up another resident’s association in a bid stop any future development.

The meadow is well-loved by families

Residents do not know how much development will be proposed, but as it is a large field they are worried it will be a “huge” housing estate.

Karen said: “Can you imagine another huge housing estate in the middle of Maldon, on one of the only green spaces left other than the Promenade.

“It just seems absolutely ridiculous to consider destroying this community asset when there are far better places – if we need them at all.

“Its a rare space. People can bring the kids and a football, or sit and just relax, and play."

She also noted the variety of wildlife present at the meadow.

"We have a large variety of flora and fauna. 

"Foxes have been there for years, we have bats near the site, many species of bugs, butterflies, visiting birds, and we are currently investigating the possibility of a badger set."

She says the community would like the meadow to be a nature reserve with seated areas and more planting, as an open green space for the community and future generations.

“We shall keep fighting whatever happens,” Karen added.

The campaign group is online at facebook.com/groups/216348113634736.

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