DEVELOPERS of a proposed new retirement community has said its plans for the discounted homes in Maldon are "potentially under threat" as planning officers have challenged the need for affordable housing for older people in the Maldon district.

Lewis & Scott plans for 29 specialist homes in Tollesbury to bring a new type of retirement living community to the area.

The homes would be for people in Maldon aged 60 and over with five of the properties to be allocated as affordable rent, and the rest sold at a 20 per cent discount.

Support for the scheme has been strong, with 46 letters of support and more than 600 supporters online.

It has only received 10 objection letters, and four neutral.

A spokesman for Lewis & Scott said despite this the "community’s future hangs in the balance".

Robert Scott, founder of Lewis & Scott, said: “I started this company based on my own experience of trying to find a decent place for my Nan to live.

“Even with my experience in building, it was difficult to find somewhere suitable and familiar where she could stay independent for as long as possible.

"I realised the scale of the problem facing older people who are trapped in properties that are no longer suitable, and the negative impact that has on their health and wellbeing.”

However, a planning officer at Maldon District Council told the developer in an email that the council doesn't consider evidence has been provided by Lewis & Scott "to an acceptable degree" to confirm there is a "need for this quantum of this, very specific, type of affordable housing in the district".

The evidence provided by Lewis & Scott to date has included national ONS data, Experian data for the area and the opinions and experiences of residents shared on the portal and via social media.

Planners at the council are due to make their recommendation later this month.

Lewis & Scott is appealing for Maldon residents to show their support for affordable housing for older people by contacting the newly elected leader of Maldon District Council, Penny Channer via email at Cllr.Penny.Channer@maldon.gov.uk.