ANGRY residents have called for councillors to use common sense after “ridiculous” plans for ten flats were recommended for approval.

Countryside Style Ltd wants to build the mix of one and two-bedroom apartments near Station Road in Burnham, on a patch of land behind the Tesco Express store.

The application, which includes 12 parking spaces, is due to go before Maldon District Council’s south eastern area planning committee on Monday.

Planning officers have recommended it is given the green light, but concerned residents say they are against the development.

Burnham Town Council has objected to the plans amid worries about inappropriate design, overdevelopment, loss of privacy for neighbours, flooding and a lack of parking spaces.

Town councillor Vanessa Bell said: “It is ridiculous overdevelopment, it makes an absolute mockery of the local development plan and Burnham Neighbourhood Plan.

“It’s hard to believe highways have properly assessed the location, as the entry sits on a blind bend.”

A total of 19 objection letters have been sent in regarding the application from residents.

Catherine Johns, who lives on the road, said there were already problems with traffic.

She said: “It’s quite surprising the developers believe they can squeeze a substantial block of flats in that small space. It makes one feel pretty claustrophobic.

“The parking will be a real issue.

Ten spaces plus only two guest spaces could fill up very quickly, and any surplus cars would need to overspill into Station Road and beyond.

“This will only create more traffic and problems for people coming into and leaving the high street.”

But planning officers said the plans were “acceptable” and provided enough parking spaces.

The report, which will go before councillors, said: “The development, following amendments, is considered to be of an acceptable layout, scale and design which would not be harmful to the character of the wider area.

“The development would make adequate provision for off-street parking and cycle parking and it would not adversely impact upon habitats and protected species.

“Subject to conditions for further ground investigations, the development is not expected to be unduly effected by contamination.”

The meeting takes place at Burnham Town Council’s offices, in Chapel Road, Burnham, from 7.30pm on Monday.