Town councillors will not ask a barrister to defend their opposition to plans for 317 homes because it is “unnecessary” and too expensive.

Pigeon Land hopes to build on land between Chandlers and Creeksea Lane, which could include a care home, nursery, and expansion of Burnham Business Park.

A resident had asked Burnham Town Council, which objected to the planning application, to consider appointing a barrister.

But mayor Ron Pratt said: “Having seen the costs of barristers engaged by Maldon District Council before, it’s certainly not going to be less than £1,000 and probably not less than £5,000.