A BID to demolish farm outbuildings for new homes in the Dengie has been refused a second time.

Plans for the construction of four new homes in Cold Norton which would replace three existing agricultural barns were unveiled after a similar application was refused.

The homes on land next to Norton Hall in St Stephens Road would be two storeys and would adjoin each other in a courtyard style.

Each dwelling would have two bedrooms, a kitchen and dining area, living room and bathroom all at ground floor level.

The first-floor was labelled as a mezzanine study area which would overlook the ground floor.

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A planning officer for Maldon District Council found there had been no material changes to the design of the new proposal, other than the submission of ecology reports and supporting information from an agronomist.

In a statement accompanying the plans, it was argued the site is not isolated and instead forms part of an existing community with permission for two new homes already on the farm yard.

However, two residents had objected to the plans.

Their reasons included the development being out of character with rural area, the visual impact, poor infrastructure in the area to support development, urban encroachment into countryside and a lack of public transport.

One of the objectors said: "The design of this application has not altered from the previously refused application.

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"Therefore, the point remains that it is considered that the proposed development would substantially alter the character of the area and have an unacceptable visual impact on the countryside through urbanisation of this site."

The district council refused the application on Monday, March 28, for a number of reasons.

This includes the loss of agricultural buildings, which it says could make an economic contribution to the area.

The council said "adequate" evidence had not been provided to justify this loss.

It also added the development would be remote and disconnected from services and facilities by reason of its location and have an "unacceptable" visual impact on the countryside though the urbanisation and domestication of the site.