A NEW 54 home development may not have been given planning permission had Maldon had its local development plan ready and approved sooner.

Plans for the homes in Burnham Road, Latchingdon, were approved by members of Maldon District Council on Monday.

The proposal had previously been rejected by councillors, but went to appeal and was granted permission by the planning inspector, On Monday it received the final go ahead from the council.

While it was approved, members of the south eastern area planning committee, expressed their feelings about the development, and voiced a number of concerns.

Councillor Penny Channer said: “What a pity we did not have our LDP approved at the point when these applications came forward.

“I think it is sacrilege for Latchingdon. I feel sorry for them.”

Councillors raised concerns over access to the new housing estate, and the impact the extra traffic would have on the area.

Councillor Beverley Acevedo said: “I am very surprise that Essex Highways are happy with this. The entrance to the plot is opposite the bowls club. That is already a busy road, I don’t understand how they are happy.

“We vetoed this proposal however the inspector has approved them on appeal. “I am happy the flats proposed are only two storey and not three storey as many are. Other than that there is not an awful lot I can say.”

Councillor Bob Boyce added: “I broadly agree. The access road is not only opposite the bowls club, but also opposite another development, so you are going to have a crossroads there.

“I do think that the Highways department is not perhaps doing its job properly.

“They are looking at each application on its individual merits which is what they are meant to do, but it has created a very serious crossroad junction there that certainly could be an issue for highways down the line.”