Plans for a 160-home development in Latchingdon, validated by Maldon District Council last month, have been described as 'utterly ridiculous' amid criticism from residents.

Submitted on behalf of Catesby Strategic Land Ltd, the proposals include up to 64 affordable homes, land for a children's day nursery, and a community park. Five per cent of the homes are set to be bungalows. The Second World War pillbox at Latchingdon will be retained.

Of the 33 comments put forward by residents, 32 objected to the plans while one other was neutral.

Resident Deanne Jones branded the proposals as 'utterly ridiculous'.

She wrote: "The local secondary schools are already full - we cannot get an appointment at a local doctor's or dentist.

"The roads are already gridlocked, and this is not taking into account the developments already taking place.

"The local shops have inadequate parking, meaning the one road into the village is constantly blocked - not to mention the wildlife habitats you will be destroying and the poor drainage already in the village."

"More traffic and more disruption will cause absolute mayhem!"

Kerry Bowers added: "More traffic and more disruption will cause absolute mayhem!"

Geoff Carr, who was neutral, asked for 'noise studies' to be undertaken, ensuring the development's proximity to the nearby Farcroft Kennels and Cattery would not be 'detrimental' to prospective residents.

Last year, the site was promoted in the Council's Housing Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) and Call for Sites, which concluded the land was "suitable, depending on the access".

The same Call for Sites raised concerns in Althorne, where residents feared the village could be 'overwhelmed' if the Council allowed developers to build 1,750 new homes there.

In its Planning Statement for the Latchingdon proposal, Armstrong Rigg Planning, the agent representing Catesby, said: "The dire housing land supply position in the district serves only to accentuate the out-of-date nature of the development plan and to tip the balance further in favour of the proposals."

The plans are currently pending consideration from Maldon District Council.

Read more

• Maldon District: 160 new homes in Latchingdon, a new bar in Maldon, The Limes restaurant plans refused again, and 6 more planning applications near you
• Over 1,700 trees to be planted in Maldon next week, as part of Essex County Council-backed climate initiative
• New signing Terrell Egbri 'Taylor-made' for Jammers, as Maldon & Tiptree FC enjoys 1-0 win at home