FURIOUS residents have been left dismayed after plans to turn a popular green space in Maldon into a housing estate were revealed.

Proposals for Primrose Meadow, also known as the Mundon Road field, would see 124 homes built on the site.

The land is part-owned by Plume and Essex County Council.

Plans to build homes at Primrose Meadow first emerged during consultation over Maldon District Council’s Local Development Plan back in 2014.

Last year County Hall revealed the proposal but did not state how many homes would be built.

But plans for 124 homes on the site have been revealed as part of a consultation into the proposals.

Plans are yet to be submitted to Maldon District Council.

It is understood Plume Academy will look to sell their share of the land to the council to gather funding for the expansion of the school.

Protestors have set up the Stand Against Primrose Meadow Development campaign group to fight the plans.

So far 1,200 members have joined the group and have been left dismayed by the proposals.

Campaigner Elizabeth Willsher, said: “Primrose Meadow is one of the last green open spaces within the district of Maldon with free access to all for recreation, relaxation and social interaction for all ages.

“It has a long history and is loved by many, including those from other parts of town who have grown up nearby.

“The proposals have filled the thoughts of everyone with dismay and incredulity on seeing the artist's impression of the site containing 124 homes.

“The design is totally unsympathetic to the site and the loss of such an important environmental benefit within an urban setting cannot be overemphasised.”

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A spokesman for Essex Housing said: “We are in the early stages of considering plans for a potential residential development at the site. 

“Any development would provide funds, in addition to County Council grant funding, needed to expand the school to ensure sufficient secondary school places to meet the growing demand in Maldon, and to reinvest in the delivery of County Council services.

“We are conducting a consultation process so that residents can review our emerging proposals and provide feedback on them.

“Following this process, any planning application that is subsequently submitted will be considered by Maldon District Council, the planning authority, who would reach a decision.”

Plume Academy and Maldon Town Council have been approached for a comment.

Maldon District Council declined to comment.