Maldon's Plume Academy has responded to criticism following a decision to sell its portion of Primrose Meadow, a popular local green space, for development.

The Academy is set to make £2.75 million from the sale, which it says is necessary to fill a funding gap in its £13.6 million expansion programme.

However, in the Planning Inspectorate's Final Report from 2017, the inspector was 'satisfied' the school could provide the places needed to support the level of housing growth in Maldon.

The report was produced when the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government appointed a new inspector to modify the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2014-2029) in 2016, at the Council's request.

Richard Scott, Director of Finance & Premises at Plume Academy, told Nub News: "The academy and Essex County Council have always disputed this statement.

"The land at Mundon Road was always in the draft LDP from 2014 as it was recognised from the start of the process that the cost of expanding Plume would be higher than average, due to the split campus design we have. In effect, we are expanding two sets of buildings, not just one.

"The land was subsequently left 'undesignated' which would enable development to continue as one of the undesignated 'windfall' sites within the LDP – which is in effect what is now happening by Essex Housing.

"The use of funds from the sale of land has always been pivotal in order to complete the academy's expansion programme."

AERIAL MASTERPLAN: Drag the white slider left & right to see how Primrose Meadow looks now, compared to Essex Housing's proposal for how it could look

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Essex County Councillor Mark Durham, Deputy Cabinet Member for Economic Development, which includes housing and planning, was Leader of Maldon District Council in 2017, when the district adopted its Local Development Plan.

On October 11, Cllr Durham said: "The County Council can no longer afford to fund local infrastructure. This has to be funded largely, or entirely, by developer contributions.

"The County Council only has responsibility for strategic infrastructure.

"That does not include roads, schools, or medical facilities, which are directly related to the new developments.

"The County Council cannot be expected to pick up the pieces, or the bill, for poor local planning decisions that have not secured adequate funding from the developer."

In August, Maldon's MP, Sir John Whittingdale, told residents: "The Meadow currently provides a much-needed green space in the town and, while there may be a case for a community facility there, on that basis, I do not support its being developed for housing.

"Under the current Local Development Plan, the land is not identified for development, which as you may know has instead been approved for the South Maldon and North Heybridge Garden Suburbs."

To date, more than 1,200 people have joined a campaign to 'Stand Against Primrose Meadows Development' on Facebook.

Sir John has been approached for comment.