PLANS for hundreds of new homes on an "idyllic" site will "seriously batter" the area's character, say residents.

Taylor Wimpey is proposing 320 homes for its Knowles Farm development in Wycke Hill, Maldon.

The site, also known as Wycke Hill North, forms part of the South Maldon Garden proposal and will include at least 1,375 homes.

Up to 320 new homes are proposed, including flats and larger five-bedroom homes "to suit all needs and lifestyles", the developer has said.

The developer says: "Our proposals will deliver high-quality new housing for residents of Maldon, responding to the site's characteristics and constraints and reflecting the framework set out in the Maldon Local Development Plan and Maldon District Design Guide."

But angry residents hit out at the developer and its plans. Carole Sargent, 62, said: "Maldon will never be the same with all this destructive development. It will go from a pretty small town to almost an urban sprawl and concrete jungle. It is just shocking, and it makes me so sad. We have a glorious town which is being so badly damaged and changed beyond all recognition."

Stuart Potter, 33, recognises the housing need, but fears local roads, doctors, and hospitals are being left behind.

Mr Potter said: "The state of our vital services is just shocking, and it feels like nobody cares or wants to know about it. Roads are in a terrible mess and are endlessly congested, while doctors' surgeries are crippled under the increasing pressure."

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A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said: "We would like to thank everyone who attended our online public consultation/webinar event for the proposed development at Knowles Farm, Maldon. We understand how important it is to listen to the community and we will consider all feedback as we finalise our Reserved Matters planning application.

"The site already benefits from outline planning permission granted in 2022, with the current application relating to the detailed residential proposals within the wider approved scheme, which also includes infrastructure and non-residential uses."