A DEVELOPMENT of 11 homes could be built to enlarge a small village in the Maldon district following the withdrawal of previous plans.

Farmland south of 97 South Street in Tillingham could be the site for the new development.

Plans have been submitted to Maldon District Council for a residential development, parking, open space and new vehicular and pedestrian access.

The 1.5-acre plot of land could be set for six market homes, three social or intermediate rent homes and two affordable homes.

A total of 26 car parking spaces have been proposed for the development, in front of the homes behind existing hedges and some proposed hedges and trees.

Previous withdrawn applications for the site include 14-home, ten-home and nine-home developments.

The latest plans have caused controversy amongst villagers, who have submitted a total of 19 objections.

One said: “I am astonished that this application has re-surfaced as the situation has not changed since the last objections were lodged with Maldon District Council.

“The application should be refused on the following grounds: Tillingham Primary School is at full capacity, Tillingham Medical Centre is at full capacity, the sewerage system is inadequate.

“The transport infrastructure is inadequate - the roads are narrow, overcrowded and in poor repair. More traffic is just going to make matters worse.

“I understand that there is enough new housing in the area to satisfy the government targets for the next six years, therefore we do not need to spoil the rural beauty of Tillingham.”

In the designs for the site, a spokesman for the applicant said: “The proposal follows the linear grain of development that characterises the village and logically extends it to the junction with Grange Road.

“The design typology will ensure the development has a distinguishable identity with buildings set within the site's landscaped boundaries that incorporates recreation, biodiversity and SuDS features.

“In conclusion, it is considered that the proposals constitute a sustainable and responsive design which warrant support through the planning process.”