HUNDREDS of residents have opposed plans for a major development of hundreds of homes which would "more than double" the size of a village.

A planning application has been submitted for 750 homes, an early years facility and commercial space on a site of more than 86 hectares in Althorne.

The plans are to develop land South of Fambridge Road, Burnham Road and east and west of Station Road.

The proposals have been criticised by Crouch Valley Defence Group. 

The group is led by residents and aims to keep the Dengie green, as they believe the the area is not an appropriate location for major developments.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

The group went around to 650 homes in Althorne to get residents' opinions on the proposed estate.

Out of the 410 people spoken to, 404 of them were opposed to the development.

There are now more than 200 signs outside homes protesting against the planning application.

Jazz Singh, spokesman for the Crouch Valley defence group: “I have lived in Althorne for 15 years.

“Althorne is a small village and with only 650 homes, this development will more than double the size of the village.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

“There is poor infrastructure, poor roads and residents face struggles with getting a doctor’s appointment.

“When we asked residents how they have found getting a doctors appointment, the majority said there was a two or three-week wait.

“Students are struggling to get school places. We have one member with two children where one was offered a place in Burnham and the other was given a space in Rayleigh.

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“Our main concern is the fact they are looking at building on land that will destroy the countryside, building on prime agricultural land that should be farmed."

The developers claim there will be benefits from the proposals. 

The planning application says: “The scheme will make a significant contribution to the delivery of a wide range of new homes for Maldon, helping support the objective to deliver a minimum of 4,650 homes by 2029 and addressing development needs beyond.

“The scheme will also deliver up to 1,000sqm of commercial space, as well as an early years facility and, at the discretion of Essex County Council, a primary school."