A developer has announced it is ploughing £13million into improving Maldon district.

More than 600 homes are being built on the site of Handley Gardens, near to Wycke Hill in Maldon.

Developers Taylor Wimpey has now revealed it will be investing a total of £12.9million in the area.

As part of the section 106 agreement signed with Maldon District Council, the developer will put more than £5m towards education in the area, including about £1million for early years childcare, £2.2million for primary education and £2million for secondary education.

More than £300,000 will go to local healthcare services while £4.4million will be put towards the South Maldon Relief Road.

Taylor Wimpey spokesman David Burns said he was proud the developer had been able to provide such a large investment for the district.

He said: “It’s hugely important as a national housebuilder that we put the proper support in place to allow our new developments to fit seamlessly into existing communities.

“This can be through funding new school places, updating the existing road network, creating new public open spaces and much more.

“We’re proud of the work we do in communities across Essex and we’re excited to see the improvements that will come to Maldon as a result of our Handley Gardens development.”

The development has been in full swing since the first phase to build 200 homes was approved by Maldon District Council in August.

Just over 180 of the 606 new homes planned for the Handley Gardens development will be affordable.

The new estate will also boast four new junior football pitches, a sports pavilion and allotments, as well as land for a new school.

These additions are expected to come as part of later planning applications still to be approved by the council.

Taylor Wimpey is now preparing its application for the second phase of its development.

The development is a part of the South Maldon project which is forecast to deliver up to 1,000 homes south of Limebrook Way.