Plans for a 25-home affordable retirement scheme in Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, were approved by Maldon District Council's North Western Area Planning Committee last night (August 10).

Robert Lewis, co-founder of development company Lewis & Scott, said the specialist neighbourhood will be "the first of its kind in the UK".

He said: "I took design ideas from New Zealand, Australia, and America, and compressed them down into what would work in the UK. We've spoken with loads of industry experts."

Lewis & Scott's plans include EV charging ports, a planting scheme and 'theraputic design principles'. (Image: Lewis & Scott)

Robert and other co-founder Helen Tidswell hope to address a lack of suitable housing for older people in the area. A study in 2019 found Maldon's population is ageing twice as fast as the rest of the UK.

But there have only been 30 specialist affordable homes built in the district since 2014.

In Tollesbury, a number of residents have expressed concern over the potential risk of flooding caused by the development. However, the Environment Agency has raised no objection to the plans, and the site is in Flood Zone 1, the lowest-risk area.

Simon Plater, Chairman of Tollesbury Parish Council, spoke of the "unknown effects of climate change over the next 50 years", including rising sea levels.

He said: "If a high storm tidal surge coincides with a high spring tide, then Tollesbury will face a very serious problem with tidal flooding which could potentially affect this site."

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Mr Plater said he was concerned a high spring tide, combined with a storm surge, could 'overtop' the sea wall in Tollesbury. (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

Helen Tidswell told councillors: "This site has received the backing of experts across the board.

"There have been no technical objections despite three full re-consultations.

"22 personal objections were received. Their arguments are varied not in response to expert opinion, but according to those which generate the most anxiety.

"Their arguments are varied not in response to expert opinion, but according to those which generate the most anxiety." Helen Tidswell, Lewis & Scott

"This small group does not reflect the interests of the people who need this housing.

"I would ask that this committee bases their decision on the recommendation of officers and evidence and are not swayed by baseless conjecture such as tidal flooding and blocked drains, which have been dismissed by the experts: the Lead Local Flood Authority, Anglian Water and the Environment Agency."

Councillor Emma Stephens noted the proposal is described as 'sheltered accommodation' in the application. She asked whether a warden would live on-site.

Chief Planning Officer Matt Leigh, standing in for Case Officer Anna Tastsoglou, informed Cllr Stephens that sheltered accommodation "doesn't mean there has to be someone on-site".

He said: "Quite often, it can be done remotely."

The revised plan for the layout of the scheme, in which the homes are spaced further apart in accordance with the Planning Committee's previous concerns. (Image: Maldon District Council)

Cllr Stephens was the only councillor who objected to the proposal, as all others voted in favour of it.

Following the Council's approval, Helen Tidswell told Nub News work on the development will begin this year.

She said: "We've got people counting on us."

For more information on the development, view the planning application.