ESSEX County Council (ECC) has confirmed that the housing development company it has formed has 'pipeline projects' earmarked for both Primrose Meadow and The Friary in Maldon.

The news comes after ECC published a press release last Wednesday (28 July) announcing that the 2021/22 Annual Delivery Plan for Essex Housing LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) - its development company - has been approved.

Within that press release, Maldon was highlighted as an area where projects are planned.

Today (Monday, 2 August), an ECC spokesperson said: "The Essex Housing Annual Delivery Plan sets out the activities that Essex Housing LLP will undertake this year to deliver its pipeline of projects.

"Essex Housing LLP projects that are being worked on in Maldon include The Friary and Primrose Meadow."

The statement did not specify the details of the plans for either site, but an application to build 28 houses at The Friary - a Grade II listed building owned by ECC - were turned down by Maldon District Council and the Planning Inspector last year.

Under those previous plans, the building was to be converted and more construction carried out in the grounds.

In last week's press release, it is stated that: "The decision marks the latest chapter in its (Essex Housing LLP's) significant and exciting development programme.

"The plan sets out Essex Housing LLP's approach to delivering new housing across the county, with schemes being brought forward in Rochford, Colchester, Maldon, Epping Forest, Chelmsford, Harlow, Brentwood, and Tendring.

"The current Essex Housing programme comprises 919 properties, of which 48 per cent are specialist/affordable."

The new part of the programme involving the Maldon sites has not yet reached the planning application stage.

Responding to the ECC press release last week, Councillor Wendy Stamp, Leader of Maldon District Council, said "Maldon District Council is always keen to work with any partners that look to meet the housing needs of the district.

"However, at this time there are no planning applications being considered from Essex County Council."