MORE than 1,300 new houses across the Maldon district could get the green light tonight.

Maldon District Council could approve two applications to build nearly 1,350 homes, a residential care home, primary school and early learning facilities, and a relief road, across Great Totham, Heybridge and Maldon.

Both applications have been recommended for approval, subject to section 106 financial agreements with the developers.

The larger of the two would see 1,138 one to four-bedroom houses built on land near Broad Street, Green Road, Maypole Road and Langford Road.

The development – known as the North Heybridge Garden Suburb – was subject to controversy after its scheme to prevent flooding was removed by the developer, Countryside Properties.

Speaking about the plans, council planning officer Ian Harrison said: “The council envisaged that the South Maldon and North Heybridge Garden Suburbs would be high quality, vibrant and distinctive neighbourhoods that would complement and enrich the character of the Maldon district and protect and enhance the environmental qualities of the area.

“The garden suburbs are to contain local centres with a mixture of both community and business uses and served by public transport and connections to town centres by accessible and safe walking and cycle routes.

“They were to have large open spaces and ample landscaping for healthy lifestyles and well-being.”

The second development, on the land south of Wycke Hill and Limebrook Way, will create 200 one to five-bedroom houses as part of a second phase of building on the site. The development, which could comprise up to 1,000 homes will also include four new grass sports pitches, a sports pavilion and almost 900 car parking spaces.

Mr Harrison said: “The provision of the dwellings proposed would make a positive and significant contribution to meeting the housing needs of the district, including affordable housing.

“It is considered that the development proposed would be acceptable in terms of its character and appearance and the quality of life for the occupiers of the proposed dwellings.”

Both applications are due to go before the council at its offices in Princes Road, Maldon, from 7.30pm.