CONTROVERSIAL plans for more than 1,100 homes are in choppy waters after it was revealed councillors will decide on them again, nearly two years after they were first approved.

Countryside Properties has removed a flood alleviation scheme from its application for up to 1,138 homes on land near Broad Street Green Road, Maypole Road and Langford Road.

Known as the North Heybridge Garden Suburb, the outline plans were given the green light in December 2016.

But this was on the condition the flood scheme went ahead.

Maldon District Council was given a £7.3 million cash pot by the Government to bring forward the flood plans.

But in May – just three months after the flooding funding was awarded – the developer scrapped the scheme, saying the £11 million price tag was too steep.

It consequently submitted amended plans, revoking the flood alleviation scheme and increasing the amount of affordable housing from 15 per cent to 30 per cent.

Maldon District Council has now confirmed the revised bid will go out for consultation again before councillors will get a second chance to vote on it.

The news comes after Heybridge councillor Miriam Lewis raised concerns over whether the bid should be reviewed and put before the planning committee again.

As part of the new proposals Countryside Properties has put forward a drainage plan to mitigate flooding problems.

The plans also includes a residential care for up to 120 beds, a retail neighbourhood, primary school, childcare facility, relief road, open spaces, electric sub-stations, footpaths and cycle links.

After the 30 day public consultation ends, the plans will be put before an extraordinary planning committee of Maldon District Council members on a yet-to-be-decided date. 

A spokesman for the council said: “While the council is disappointed that this amended application does not include the flood alleviation scheme (FAS) as previously proposed, it is obliged to process the amended application for due consideration.

“There will be a 30 day full consultation for comments, which will include the response of the Environment Agency and Essex County Council as the flood authority who will advise on the drainage issues.

“Members of the council will ultimately make a decision on the planning application on its own merits without prejudice.”

Adrian Fluker, council leader, added: “I am very disappointed that he flood elevation scheme is no longer included, however it is very important that interested parties understand that they can respond during the statutory consultation process and that their comments will be considered.

“Once the consultation has concluded members of the council will determine the application in the usual way.”

The consultation will close on October 31. Anyone wanting to comment on the application can email dc.planning@maldon.gov.uk.