ANGRY villagers have expressed their concerns over proposals to build more holiday lodges in a small village.

An ambitious £7million plan to create new a new holiday park at the Warren Estate, at Woodham Walter, was unveiled last month.

The owners of the estate claim the plan would create dozens of jobs, but some argue there will be no economic benefit at all to the area.

Villagers are also concerned that the population of just over 500 would more than double.

Parish council chairman John Tompkins claimed: “Any perceived economic benefits do not outweigh the considerable detrimental visual impact, encroachment on the countryside and the urbanisation of the rural landscape.”

The parish council claims that of the current 102 lodges, all bar six have now been sold on to private individuals, with many being lived in against the planning conditions imposed, and villagers are concerned that this could be repeated at the new development.

An application in 2019 for ten lodges in the village was turned down at appeal as it was decided the existing 102 lodges on the Warren Estate ‘fulfils any tourism need within the area and any further accommodation would be surplus’.

The latest plans include a 50-lodge holiday park, called Warren Lodges North, and a secluded, luxury 20-lodge Wayside Retreat park for adults.

A full refurbishment of the existing Bunsay clubhouse is planned which will see extensions made to the bar and grill and indoor activities hall for the use of holiday visitors.

But some residents are worried the refurbishment will cause the cost of the golf course to rise.

One resident has objected to the proposal saying: “Destroying a golf course that has served the local population at a cost that most people can afford.

“Not everyone can afford thousands of pounds to play a sport that they love.

“This would affect many older people because Bunsay Downs is a nine-hole course and more suited to the older person.”

John Moran, managing director of the Warren Estate, said: “Ultimately it will be for Maldon District Council to determine whether any impacts are outweighed by the economic benefits, we have made our case they substantially are.”

Warren Estate says that most of its current 102 lodges are sold as holiday homes in line with the planning permission that was granted – this puts a restriction on the amount of time people can live there.