Latchingdon homes bid refused by Maldon District Council

A bid to redevelop derelict land at the former Maldon Fencing site in Burnham Road, between Latchingdon and Althorne, was made by Great Canney Developments.

The plans included a two-storey, four-bedroom house facing the road, and eight single-storey one and two-bedroom homes.

The developer said the smaller dwellings were "in response to the large shortfall within Maldon district of one and two-bedroom homes".

The ten commercial units were designed to be used by "micro businesses" owned by residents living on the new site.

The land is a 'brownfield' employment site outside the development area for Latchingdon, but within an existing settlement of eight homes.

Previous proposals for ten homes had been scaled down.

The plans received a string of objections from neighbouring homeowners, claiming the development would affect them.

One said: "Where does any of this application consider the surrounding villages?

"I am sorry but we are already seeing increased traffic through our village, which creates more speeding and more danger for our children, notwithstanding the poorer air quality.

"Roads, drainage, water, doctors, schools etc are all already either too pressured or underperforming due to overdevelopment and this will only add to that problem."

Another said: "As an immediate neighbour to the site of the proposed development, we are of the view that the proposed development will have a serious impact on our standard of living."

Latchingdon Parish Council and Essex Highways also objected to the application, which was recommended for refusal by planning officers at Maldon District Council.

Planners said the development would have "an unacceptable impact on the character of the area".

The district council ruled against the application for a number of reasons, including the need for residents living on the site having to use cars to get to everyday services and facilities, and its impact on the surrounding area.