PLANS for more than 200 homes in Southminster could be thrown out after concerns it "would not meet the current and future housing needs."

The proposals for 249 homes near David Fisher Way, Southminster "lack" agreements for financial contributions for roads, schools and other services, according to a council planning officer.

Bloor Homes is planning the homes with the main vehicle access from Scotts Hill.

Maldon District Council's district planning committee is set to consider the plans at a meeting on Wednesday, 25 February. The council planning officer is recommending councillors refuse planning permission for a range of reasons. The site is farmland and very close to a 94 home development by David Wilson Homes.

The plans include one, two, three and four bedroom homes including 30 percent affordable homes. The officer's report states the proposed development "would have benefits, harms and neutral impacts."

It adds: "The proposal would provide opportunity for a high-quality designed development and the incorporation of energy efficient buildings and the use of renewable energy installations to help address the impact of climate change."

The developer is planning a 'T' junction onto Scotts Hill and a separate pedestrian and cycle path linking to the southeast corner. The site includes two arable fields and part of a third field in the north-east.

The planning officer says "there is a good existing supply" three bedroom or larger homes across the district but "a need for a higher proportion" of smaller, one or two bedroom homes."

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The report also states: "This quantum of three and four bedroom units would therefore not reflect the current and future housing needs of the district and would only add to the surplus supply of four-bedroom units within the district."