PLANS for a 320 home development at Wycke Hill in Maldon will be decided on tonight.

Proposals for the development, which will be built on land near Knowles Farm, include a new relief road north of the A414, estate roads, drainage, sewerage and pedestrian and cycle lanes.

The application, which represents one of the strategic sites outlined in the Local Development Plan, has been recommended for approval by Maldon District Council’s planning officer.

A report, which will be presented to council members at an extraordinary planning meeting this evening, says: “The site has been acknowledged by the council as being a sustainable location for development. The site forms a key part of the council’s strategy to accommodate growth in the district and achieve a five year housing land supply.”

If granted permission, the development would be built in stages. The first 148 houses built would be near the A414.

Up to 91 homes would then be built on the west and north side, along with the first part of the relief road and the new western roundabout junction in phase two.

In phase three the remaining 80 homes would be built alongside the rest of the relief road and its Wycke Hill junction.

The officer’s recommendation of approval includes a contribution of more than £1 million towards the Maldon relief road, more than £2 million to education facilities, more than £200,000 to public transport, and £162,000 to youth facilities.

A section of land must also be reserved for NHS use.

A final decision will be made at this evening’s meeting at 7.30pm at the council offices on Princes Road.