A new bid has been launched to build houses in a quiet village in the Maldon District, despite earlier plans being rejected at appeal.

Curtis Banks have submitted a planning application to Maldon District council for 14 homes in Cold Norton, which was validated on March 22.

Earlier plans for four bungalows at the Crown Lodge site by applicant Suffolk Life were refused by the council in 2017 and then dismissed by the planning inspectorate at appeal. According to a planning statement, inspectors said this previous development would be unsuitable and cause harm to the character of the area.

The statement continues to say this decision was based on the character and appearance of the area as it existed at that time. Since then, houses have been approved further north, for example those in White Acres, meaning these new plans can be considered as filling of a gap between residential areas.

A section read: "The proposed development would result in the provision of a range of new homes in a sustainable location which is suitable for providing a physical extension to the existing, predominantly residential areas of the village."

The site is currently used as a paddock for horses. It is beyond the settlement boundary of Cold Norton, meaning it will be considered as a development in the countryside, rather than as an extension to the village.

In line with the council's minimum policy of 40 per cent, six of the 14 homes would be classed as affordable housing. A housing mix of one-four bedroom properties is proposed.

Outline permission is being sought for the development, with a detailed, reserved matters application expected to come forward at a later stage if this is approved. Permission is also being sought for parking and landscaping.

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