A controversial development of 240 homes has been refused planning permission.

Gladman Developments had submitted an application to build an estate off North End, on farmers fields behind New Moor Crescent, in Southminster.

One third of the homes would have been affordable and the application included a public open space and provision for a play area.

But application had received 21 letters of objection from concerned residents and on Monday the Maldon District Council’s south eastern planning committee unanimously refused the application against the advice of planning officers.

Richard Saward, 69, of neighbouring New Moor Close, is thrilled that the development has been thrown out.

He was concerned that the local doctors surgery, local roads and sewage systems would be unable to cope.  He said: “I’m really over the moon, we haven’t got the facilities for an influx of new people."

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