DISTRICT councillors will decide tomorrow (Wednesday, 23 June) on a planning application to create 16 new homes at the site of buildings previously used by a care home and charity project in Southminster.

Maldon District Council's South Eastern Area Planning Committee will decide on the plans for the former premises of The Dengie Project Knightswood Trust Centre in Steeple Road, just outside the Southminster village boundary.

The plan is to convert two buildings previously used as a care home into 11 flats and two maisonettes, with three new bungalows at the rear replacing two dilapidated timber boarded buildings and a greenhouse. The latter was previously used as a plant nursery for people with learning difficulties.

The applicant is MSN Ventures Limited.

To the north and east is of the site is open countryside. To the west, on the other side of Steeple Road, is Squeaks care home (a two-storey building).

The site is described as being currently vacant since July 2017, when the Knightswood Centre, a charity-run day centre, was relocated to Asheldham.

Council officers have recommended approval of the plans. Southminster Parish Council have objected to the plans and there have been three other letters of objection.