A DEVELOPMENT of affordable retirement housing could be built in a village.

Maldon Council’s planning team has recommended the approval of the affordable housing for older people in Tollesbury.

The Tollesbury Salt Meadows plans, designed for people aged 60 and over, includes 21 bungalows, four apartments and a communal social building.

The plans have received 118 comments in support and 22 objections.

If approved, building will begin on land north of Woodrolfe Road in Tollesbury.

The housing has been designed to dementia-friendly standards and hopes to be surrounded by “therapeutic gardens”.

Lewis and Scott CEO and founder Rob Scott said: “We created Lewis and Scott to support the growing number of people in Maldon who are trapped in unsuitable homes, and whose wellbeing and health suffer as a result.”

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A representative for Maldon's planning team said: “If approved by Maldon Council’s planning committee next week, Lewis and Scott intend to begin work immediately, ensuring that people can begin moving in early next year.

“With over 100 letters of support, this is an unusual planning application, however as the recent census data showed, Maldon has a rapidly ageing population and will need more socially-minded innovation like this to meet the needs of older residents both now and in the future.”