Maldon's MP, Sir John Whittingdale, has branded proposals to build 124 homes on Primrose Meadow as 'inappropriate', making the case for a community resource instead.

The field, just off Mundon Road, Maldon, is a popular recreational facility – used by dog walkers, local children, and many other residents.

Essex Housing plans to build 64 new family homes and a 60-bedroom 'Independent Living' complex for older people on the green space.

Sir John told Nub News he felt the land could be better used as a community facility, instead of housing.

He said: "I am very conscious of the scale of development taking place and the fact that Primrose Meadow is one of few remaining green spaces within the town.

"Given the huge amount of housing that's already underway, and more in prospect, I don't think that housing development is the most appropriate use for it.

3,500 homes are currently proposed to be built in and around Maldon.

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

Primrose Meadow is owned in part by Essex County Council as well as Plume Academy.

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Last month, the Academy announced it wanted to sell its portion of the land to fill a gap in funding for its £13 million expansion programme.

Richard Scott, Director of Finance & Premises at Plume Academy, confirmed that the school is set to make £2.75 million from the sale.

Sir John continued: "Just because the school needs more money, that's not necessarily a reason why it should allow housing to be developed.

"A long time ago, there was a proposal to use the land for a technical college which I had more sympathy with.

"Some kind of community usage is also worth looking at.

"My own view is that it's not appropriate for development."

Since Essex County Council's development company, Essex Housing, earmarked the site last year, more than 1,600 people have joined a campaign to 'Stand Against Primrose Meadow's Development'.

Tomorrow (November 8), the group will hold a meeting at Watership Downs Nursery at Brickhouse Farm Community Centre, Maldon, from 6pm.

Maldon District Councillor, Christopher Swain, has been invited to attend.

Read more:

Maldon: Plume Academy defends sale of land at Primrose Meadow - Essex County Councillor says local infrastructure should be funded by developers

EXCLUSIVE: Maldon's Primrose Meadow development consultation to begin this month - neighbours come together in bid to save it

IN PICTURES: Maldon Beavers group supports campaign to 'Save Primrose Meadow', as children muck in to help out with cleaning effort