Plans set to be agreed for 140 homes in Maldon

The Essex town of Maldon is set to expand with plans for 140 homes expected to be approved.

EJ Latchingdon Limited is set to get the go-ahead for the plans for 140 homes and a community centre on farmland south of Threeways and The Street, Latchingdon. The plans include public open space, community woodlands and allotments.

Maldon Council’s planning committee is set to approve the plans at a meeting on September 3. The development will include 56 affordable homes, including homes for affordable, social rent, and intermediate affordable.

The main access for vehicles and pedestrians would be via The Street between Sharp’s Farm and Lyndale. The proposals include a new community centre and a shop, which would be located to the north and northeast of the site, towards the main core of the village.

The council’s planning officer’s report states: “The proposals would help the vitality of the village by accommodating new residents in the settlement, creating new community facilities and green infrastructure, all of which contribute to the general health and well-being of residents. Affordable housing would be set a 40 per cent and the scheme would secure 15 per cent of all dwellings as bungalows to meet the need of the elderly.

“The scheme would generate economic benefits, both short-term during the construction phase and during the lifetime of the development. It would create investment in the locality and increase spending in local shops and services. The scheme also sets aside northern areas of the site for employment and commercial development, which will also bring employment opportunities.

“In addition to economic benefits associated with temporary jobs during the construction of the development, the scheme includes a new village centre, shop and flexible employment and commercial floorspace. Environmentally, the development would have a degree of visual impact on the character and setting of the town, although this would be limited to local views and can be ameliorated via sensitive landscaping and planting at reserved matters stage.”