More than 900 residents have joined a campaign to stop the possible development of 'the last field in Maldon', following investigative works at Primrose Meadow.

The Stand Against Primrose Meadow Development group formed in August last year and now stands at 944 members. It was created in response to Essex County Council's development company, Essex Housing LLP, earmarking the field for housing.

Gas and drainage survey works were carried out at the site earlier this month, and residents believe an application may be submitted in the autumn "but could be sooner".

A spokesperson for Essex County Council said: "These surveys will help to inform our future considerations for a potential development at the site, which are in the early stages.

"Essex Housing will conduct a consultation process with local residents before any planning application is submitted."

When pressed further on their reference to the "early stages" of a potential development, the spokesperson told Nub News the "utilities provision" for the site was being investigated.

They said: "This will inform any future design considerations for the scheme. Essex Housing are not in contact with any developer."

Children and parents enjoying a snow day on Primrose Meadow, on Mundon Road

The spokesperson continued: "There are no plans to sell the site at present."

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When asked whether a planning application is likely to be received by Maldon District Council in the near future, the spokesperson replied: "No."

The green space is used for dog walkers, families, and children, along with being a habitat for local wildlife.

The field is frequently used by Essex Air Ambulance due to its accessibility by air.

In a letter to Nub News, reader Chris Fenn wrote: "Building houses on it would be a travesty.

"The rate at which Maldon and the Dengie area are growing is phenomenal.

"I spent a lot of time with my grandparents growing up in the 80's and 90's in Saxon Way and remember Sunday mornings, walking over and watching football and having a kick-about after.

"Building houses on it would be a travesty" Chris Fenn, resident

"With all the properties being built, I think it is vitally important that areas in towns are kept free, to avoid a depressing concrete jungle.

"Why can Primrose Meadow not be developed into something positive for the community?

Children playing football on Primrose Meadow.

"I fear eventually it will have too many houses and not enough of anything else, and will be just another overpopulated, ruined place that was 'once a lovely little town'.

"Please join the Facebook group, email Maldon District Council, and sign the petitions before another area is lost. They are already building everywhere you look in the area.

"Let's try to protect some of these places before they too are lost - all in the name of money."

For more information and to view the petitions from the Stand Against Primrose Meadows Development campaign, visit the Facebook group.