A HOUSING developer has failed in a bid to reduce the size of affordable housing on a new estate in Burnham.

Taylor Wimpey was give the green light to build 90 houses on a site north Of Marsh Road by Maldon District Council last year.

One of the conditions was that the affordable housing on the site should meet national internal space standards.

Taylor Wimpey tried to get the condition removed.

A spokesman told a council planning meeting: "In August 2020, this committee resolved to grant permission for 90 homes on the site, including 40 per cent affordable homes.

"It was well after the committee and at the 11th hour of the legal agreement being signed that officers at the council added on the condition - after the homes were already considered acceptable by this council.

"At the time this was happening, Taylor Wimpey could not accommodate more delay to progressing the site so reluctantly we agreed to add this condition."

He added: "These homes are not small and would not be poor quality.

"These are high quality buildings and will be fantastic homes for future residents."

The council said the condition was needed to make sure the affordable homes were big enough for families.

Leader Wendy Stamp said: "We should not be giving in. The minimum standards are there for a reason to protect our housing needs and the people who need them."