Residents are being encouraged by Maldon District Council to make their views known about its plans to restore historic cottages in the area.

The district council is publicly consulting on two initiatives designed to help improve the character and appearance of Woodfield Cottages in Heybridge.

The 41 single-storey cottages were built in 1873 as homes for the employees of Bentall's Agricultural Works, and are pioneering examples of mass concrete construction.

Although the cottages were designated as Grade II listed buildings in 1971, planning officers have said they are "among the most challenging listed buildings in the Maldon district due to their relatively high degree of modernisation".

Councillor Wendy Stamp, leader of the district council, said: "Woodfield Cottages is an important example of a Victorian industrial housing community and we want to work with residents to help restore the area's character.

"2023 will be the 150th anniversary since the cottages were built.

"It is hoped that with the proposed initiatives in place, this anniversary can be celebrated with the cottages facing brighter prospects."

The first initiative proposed by the council covers the designation of the cottages as a conservation area.

This would allow the council to enter into a conservation area partnership agreement with Historic England, through which grant funding could be made available to owners to carry out works to enhance the cottages.

The council has also proposed a Woodfield Cottages Local Listed Building Consent Order - this would grant automatic consent for selected types of alteration to make it easier for owners to carry out sympathetic and restorative alterations to the cottages.

If approved, it would be the first example of a local listed building consent order in East Anglia.

Jackie Graham, a resident of Woodfield Cottages, said: "The cottages are quite special and many of the residents take pride in living here.

"It would be lovely to see the character of the area improved.

"Personally, I'd like to reinstate the original style of sash windows in my cottage and the proposed initiatives would make it much easier for me to do this, particularly if grants become available."

Tony Calladine, regional director for Historic England in the East of England added: "Woodfield Cottages represent an important part of our social history showing how generations of workers experienced life in this small community.

"The cottages, built using innovative techniques and with the wellbeing of workers in mind, represent an important moment in our industrial heritage.

"We're pleased to see the initiatives proposed by Maldon District Council to improve the character and condition of these important buildings."

To find out more about the initiatives, visit the Maldon District Council website using the link here.

Any person who wishes to make representations about the draft order or conservation area proposal should write to the council at [email protected] or Maldon District Council, Princes Road, Maldon, CM9 5DL by Thursday, 11 November.