An appeal for the development of a 160-dwelling residential development in Latchingdon has been allowed by the Planning Inspectorate.

The planning application details a residential development of up to 160 dwellings, including affordable housing, bungalows, office space, a nursery, and a community park, on land north of The Groves, Burnham Road.

The development application, which was first received by Maldon District Council in November 2022, was originally refused in June 2023 for not representing a "sustainable development".

Following an appeal, and almost exactly a year later, the application has been given the green light (July 5, 2024).

The planned development has been met with fierce criticism from residents, with the original application receiving over 160 public comments. 

One resident, Ms Samantha Corbett, spoke of concerns with traffic congestion in the area: "Latchingdon has historically suffered from traffic congestion owing to its position as a gateway to the Dengie and Burnham.

"A development of the size proposed on top of developments locally that are currently being built or approved, will result not only in the entire road system being permanently gridlocked, but also generate concerning high levels of pollution detrimental to the health and wellbeing of residents."

This point was dismissed during the appeal inquiry, with the Inspector citing the lack of objection to the development by the Highway Authority.

Another objecting resident, Alan Payne, said: "The land in question forms a large part of the countryside setting of the village.

"Building a vast amount of housing in this area would fundamentally alter the character and visual impact of the landscape."

The Council raised similar concerns at the planning inquiry, suggesting the proposal would impact the 'identity' of Latchingdon and undermine the village's "historic character."

This point was rebuked by the Inspector, who suggested instead the development would simply "enlarge" the village and extend the urban boundary adjacent to Beech Drive, Willow Close and Elder Road. 

The appeal also argued that with 50% of homes being affordable, as well as 10% of homes being bungalows, the development would make a "very positive contribution" to the provision of the market and affordable housing in the Borough.

The Inspector concluded that despite agreeing the proposals lying outside of the sustainable locations identified in the Local Development Plan, the proposals have substantial economic, environmental and social benefits which "clearly outweigh any harms arising".