Residents from across the district are invited to attend a meeting at Maldon Town Hall on November 1, to discuss concerns regarding a proposed 275-home development. 

In July, plans were revealed for a neighbourhood called 'Maldon Woods' on the outskirts of town, near Maldon Cemetery. 

At the time, residents raised concerns over the proximity of the estate to the cemetery, and about how the new homes will affect traffic in the town. However, developer LSL Partners said it planned to upgrade the existing transport infrastructure and deliver "supporting amenities". 

The proposal includes an 18,000 square-metre extension to the cemetery, which developers say could provide "much need additional burial space for the district". 

Meanwhile, residents have described the plans as "opportunistic" and not designed to support the needs of the community.  

A spokesperson told Nub News: "This meeting will help inform residents on how they can object effectively when the time comes.  

"It will provide a community space for people to come and share their thoughts and worries and be heard."  

Resident Stafford Chipperfield voiced his concerns during a public exhibition in July:

A campaign began shortly after the plans were revealed, along with a petition which has more than 2,000 signatures. The 'Say no to building on Maldon Hall Farm' Facebook group currently stands at over 1,400 residents.  

"Maldon has been subjected to significant development in recent years, which has not only put significant strain on local infrastructure but is also threatening our beautiful green spaces," the spokesperson added. 

"The aim of this group is to prevent this farmland being built on. Once this land is developed, it is lost forever." 

This is not the first time Maldon Hall Farm has been a source of contention for residents and developers. In 2015, residents objected to proposals for a development of 340 homes on the land, which Maldon District Council rejected. 

While a full planning application for Maldon Woods has not yet been submitted to Maldon District Council, it was previously expected to be received in the autumn. 

The public meeting will begin at 6.45pm on Wednesday 1 November, at Maldon Town Hall.  

Read more

• Limebrook u3a's November newsletter: Lively RAAC discussions, beer festival fun, and tips on evading scammers
• Maldon District: Southminster boxing champ Jack to compete for Commonwealth title
• Six jobs available in Maldon right now: Christmas staff wanted at Morrisons and M&S, Salero Lounge vacancies, part time cook, and more