The leader of the council stood by his proposal to approve the garden suburb plans despite huge opposition.

Adrian Fluker was outnumbered by members at Maldon District Council when he called for the new homes off Wycke Hill and Limebrook Way to be approved.

Mr Fluker told the public during the meeting that his mind was “never closed” with large developments, referring to the last meeting where he changed his recommendation from urging the council approve the next phase of North Heybridge Garden Suburb to refusing it.

He said: “Everyone has the right to say what they think about this application.

“Anybody in this room who was at the last council meeting when we dealt with a planning application will know through my own actions that my mind is never closed.”

He continued: “My view however still stands, there has been a lot of discussion about this plan.

“We have heard from the officers that it does comply with the requirements of design standards.

“I know some of the gardens may be small but this is something the officers say is OK.

“There is a choice and there always will be when you buy house, that is why I stand by my proposal.”

Mr Fluker’s recommendation to approve the plans was seconded by Althorne councillor Bob Boyce.

However, Mr Boyce later voiced concerns about the plans.

He said: “I seconded the leader’s proposition to approve the recommendation of this and the debate so far has raised some concerns with me, mainly over the issue of amenities.”

He added: “We have to be conscious that in our modern world some people do not require such a large amenity space, and it will be an issue of the buyer coming along and if they like what they see they will buy, and if they don’t they will not buy.”

Taylor Wimpey said it was “disappointed” with the decision of the council.

A spokesman said: “We are disappointed with members’ decision to refuse our application for the latest phase of residential development in Maldon, which was prepared in consultation with the local community, stakeholders and council officers.

“We have taken the committee’s comments on board and are considering our next steps.”