The future of a 52 home development in Latchingdon may be in doubt following a decision by Maldon District Council.

The houses are due to be built on land west of Bridgeman's Green in Latchingdon.

The Council refused to remove a planning condition from the proposal at a meeting on July 18.

The condition states that 60%, or 31, of the homes must be either one or two bedroom properties.

Developers, Moat Homes Ltd., wanted this to be lowered to 15 homes, or 29%.

They argued that the plan would impact the land value and make it difficult to purchase the site and deliver affordable housing.

The removal of the condition had been supported by the Council’s planning officer, however Councillors voted against it.

It is a move supported by Latchingdon Parish Council.

When consulted about the removal of the planning condition, they said: "We need more social housing which are smaller than four and five bedroom houses.

"The village needs smaller starter homes not more large houses so that the young people can afford to remain in their village."