CONTROVERSIAL proposals for how 75 homes in Burnham will look have been approved by councillors.

Strutt and Parker Farms was given outline approval to build the home on land east of Pippins Road in December 2015 following a public inquiry.

Maldon District Council had rejected the plans the previous August, saying the application was poorly designed.

Matthew Homes submitted a reserved matters application, setting out the layout and appearance of the new homes, which has now been recommended for approval by planning officers.

The homes would be a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes with 30 per cent affordable housing.

But Burnham Town Council objected to the plans saying all the affordable homes would be built in one part of the site.

At a full council meeting last week members voted to approve the plans despite concerns over the need for one bedroom homes.

Town councillor Wendy Stamp told the meeting: “We note the officer’s response but do not accept it. The affordable housing providers confirmed they have no say where the properties are built prior to being handed over.

“Their preferences on shared ownership sites are full integration, not segregation.

“The police also do not support affordable houses being in one area. They do prefer pepper pot, fully integrated homes that reduce crime, [and encourage] community cohesion and spirit.”

Councillor Beverly Acevedo said affordable homes should be integrated but said lifetime homes, which can be adapted, were a fantastic idea and should be encouraged on all developments.

She added: “The lack of one bedroom homes I think is a problem.”

But Sue White said developers were right to look at homes for families.

She said: “I would like to commend the two bed terraces because there are young families with children who need the second bedroom – I actually like that idea.”