MP brands 90 homes proposal ‘appalling’

Priti Patel, MP for Witham, has been heavily critical of the plans to build 90 homes on land west of Mell Road, Tollesbury, which is in her constituency.

The plans were put before Maldon District Council earlier this month.

Developer Gladman is planning to build the one to five-bedroom properties.

Ms Patel said: “This is an appalling application which is causing great concern and anxiety in Tollesbury.

“The scale of the development and location is not sustainable and the plans will put huge pressures on our services and are a threat to road safety.

“While we all recognise the need to see new housing built, proposals like these undermine community-led efforts to increase housing in a sensible and sustainable way.”

Gladman is confident the development will have a positive impact on the area.

A design statement said: “The delivery of up to 90 units would increase the provision of housing at Tollesbury and Maldon District.

“It would also contribute towards economic growth, supporting and providing investment to maintain amenities and centres of education and employment, and deliver wider social benefits by contributing to meeting the housing needs of the district, including affordable housing provisions.”

Although the plans are on a greenfield site, the developer says it has taken care to ensure the impact on Tollesbury is minimal.

A campaign group has been set up to combat the development, with almost 100 residents commenting on the application.

Ms Patel has supported the group, Housing Action by Residents of Tollesbury (Hart), as she believes the plans will blight the area and cause pressures on roads and public services.

She added: “Gladman failed to listen or take on board any of the concerns of residents. Now the formal application has been submitted I encourage all residents in Tollesbury to review the plans and comment on them.

“I will fight with the community to oppose this application.”

Visit www.maldon.gov.uk for more information.