Plans to build four new homes on a farmyard in Cold Norton have been revealed.

Applicants Robert and John Lyon hope to replace the existing farm outbuildings on the yard next to Norton Hall, on St Stephens Road, with four two-bedroom homes.

Richard Martin, an agricultural consultant who inspected the yard in September, said the site "could not be used for modern agriculture" due to access issues.

In a letter submitted with the application, Mr Martin said: "The approach to this farm is up a single track road which, by looking at it, only has a thinner level of tarmac surfacing.

"The weight of any modern lorries, particularly grain lorries, delivering fertilizer or collecting grain would very quickly break up the surface.

"This would of course cause a major conflict with the residents there."

He said the farmers who own the yard grow cereal crops but the buildings could not store these crops due to their design.

The proposal therefore seeks to demolish these buildings and build the new homes in their place, alongside garages, space for bikes and landscaping works.

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An additional eight parking spaces are proposed for the homes.

Maldon District Council will make the final decision.