An outline planning application to build up to 110 new homes in Southminster has been refused by Maldon District Council.

Gladman Developments Ltd, DJ Fisher Farms and L&A Barker had proposed an "attractive, welcoming and walkable" new residential development on the outskirts of the village.

However, due to the development's location, nature and extent, the council decided it would cause harm to the character and appearance of the rural site and its surroundings.

"The vehicular access proposed to serve the development would result in noise and disturbance being caused to the occupiers of the neighbouring residential dwelling, 48 Queensborough Road," a council spokesperson said.

Number 46 Queenborough Road would have been demolished to make way for the development. All 152 of the public comments made regarding the application objected to it.

One resident "strongly objected" to the application, as they felt the village could not cope with another housing estate.

"We have already had two large developments on the outskirts of the village which has made the infrastructure completely inadequate," they wrote.

An artist's impression of the proposed development in Southminster. (Credit: Gladman Developments Ltd & DJ Fisher Farms & L&A Barker)

Another reason for the application's refusal was the absence of a completed Section 106 agreement. There was no mention of a financial contribution towards the provision of local infrastructure through education or affordable housing.

Without that, the spokesperson added: "The development would not adequately provide for the educational needs of the future residents of the site, would not ensure that the public open space proposed was appropriately maintained, and would not meet the affordable housing needs of the District."

A transport assessment carried out on behalf of the developer demonstrated the site had good public transport accessibility, with opportunities for frequent travel by bus or rail. The site is located one kilometre from Southminster rail station.

However, another resident argued rail transport is currently insufficient.

"Trains are mostly replaced by bus replacement services at weekends," they wrote.

"There is only one direct train into Liverpool Street and one back in the evening, otherwise passengers have to change trains at Wickford onto the Crouch Valley Line. Sometimes this can mean a one hour wait for the connection."

"Without a doubt, residents really do need a car if they live in Southminster."

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