Maldon District Council has used its emergency delegated powers to approve a number of items which were set to be debated at last week's abandoned council meeting.

The full council meeting last Thursday (16 December) was shelved before any items on the agenda could be discussed when chairman Mark Heard closed the meeting, citing "disorderly conduct" by Councillor Chrisy Morris.

Councillor Heard had asked Councillor Morris to leave the building but he refused, saying "I'm a democratically-elected member and I will be heard."

It follows the cancellation of the previous district council meeting in November before any items on the agenda could be discussed.

The council announced today (Thursday, 24 December) that it has now approved a number of items from last week's agenda, including public consultation on the local development plan and the formation of One Maldon District.

Councillor Heard said: "Whilst it is disappointing that members were not able to debate some of the great work that officers were due to present to council, it is important that we continue to deliver on these programmes of work.

"I am delighted that work can now begin on some really exciting initiatives which include climate action, health and wellbeing, community safety and youth engagement to name just a few.

"Residents can be confident that the council will continue to conduct the important business and make decisions."

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Among the approved items is public consultation on the issues and options document for the local development plan, which sets out the issues, challenges and constraints faced in the district environmentally, economically and socially.

The council has also endorsed the approach to the formation of One Maldon District, which will enable a senior level partnership between organisations and communities across the district in efforts to work together effectively.

The report presented to the council said this will "improve the health and wellbeing of residents and ensure community safety".

Another approved item is the council's response to plans for a new development of up to 1,020 homes on land north of South Woodham Ferrers.

The response includes concerns about the cumulative impact of the development with other proposals, such as the bid for a nuclear power station at Bradwell B, and a need to secure any highway improvements to manage increased traffic into and out of the district.

The response also says the changes to Burnham Road proposed as part of the development should not "exacerbate congestion" on the route.

The council has also endorsed its climate action strategy, after declaring a climate emergency in February, which includes recruiting a climate action officer to produce a 2022/23 action plan and gathering local data to investigate trends and behaviours.

Councillor Heard said: "We will be providing more information on these programmes in the New Year."

You can find the full agenda, including the now approved items, here.