AN MP is urging a council to reject plans submitted for a 50-home development in a village.

MP Dame Priti Patel has called on Maldon District Council to reject a planning application for a housing development on a site off Church Road, in Wickham Bishops.

The outline planning application for up to 50 homes is due to be considered by the council’s north western area planning committee on Wednesday, September 13, and has been recommended for approval by council officers.

The application is opposed by some local residents and Wickham Bishops Parish Council.

A previous similar planning application was refused by the district council and a planning inspector because it was outside of the settlement boundary and would have an adverse impact on the environment and local infrastructure.

Speaking after meeting with parish council chair Ian Wardrop and local campaigners opposing the application, Dame Priti said: “These development plans are wholly inappropriate and unsuitable for Wickham Bishops.

“The location is unacceptable, the scale of development proposed is too large and the impact on local services and infrastructure will be significant.

“Developments on this site have been rejected before and it is disappointing that the council is recommending that this outline application is approved.

“I have been working with the local community in Wickham Bishops to oppose these plans and urge the planning committee to reject them this week.”