A PUBLIC inquiry is set to be held to decide an appeal against the refusal of plans to build 70 new holiday homes at a golf club.

The Warren Estate in Woodham Walter had unveiled proposals for a 50 lodge family holiday park to be known as Warren Lodges North and a 20 lodge holiday park for adults only to be known as Wayside Retreat in 2020.

Warren Lodges North would be within the existing Bunsay golf course while the Wayside Retreat would be in a secluded field surrounded by woodland.

>>> Appeal after Maldon District Council rejects holiday park plans

The number of lodges had been scaled down from 99.

There were also plans to extend the bar and grill area, outdoor terrace and indoor activities hall in Bunsay Clubhouse, and build a new state of the art golf academy.

It had been calculated to generate 97 full time equivalent jobs across Maldon, Chelmsford and Colchester and a net impact of £3.9million.

The increase in staying visitor nights was estimated to add more than £2.7million to the visitor economy in Essex and £677,000 to the Maldon economy

>>> Concerns expressed over new holiday park at the Warren Estate

Bosses said the £7million proposals would create a "holiday destination to rival any in the county".

However, the plans had received more than 180 objections with concerns they were unsustainable.

They were also objected to by five surrounding councils with Danbury Parish Council also raising concerns.

Maldon District Council refused planning permission for the development in February last year for a number of reasons.

>>> Controversial plans for six new homes at vacant site in village refused

This included the urbanising impact on the rural character and appearance of the site, insufficient information to show need for the development, harm to nearby occupants through noise and harm to the rural landscape setting of the Wayside site.

The appeal against the authority's refusal, started by The Warren Estate, will now be determined on the basis of an inquiry.

The date and location of the inquiry has yet to be arranged.

Comments must be received by April 6.

Anyone who wishes to comment can do so on the Planning Inspectorate website at acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk or by emailing East2@planninginspectorate.gov.uk.