A proposal to build new homes on Stoney Hills, which received 41 letters of objection by residents, has been approved by Maldon District Council.

Members of the district council's south eastern planning committee voted to accept the proposal last night (Wednesday, 15 September), despite raising concerns about the development's impact on existing infrastructure.

Building will now take place on the land known as Appleberry by the Gables, Stoney Hills, in Burnham-on-Crouch.

Councillor Nick Skeens, who objected to the development, said: "I have a major problem with Stoney Hills - the way it's been developed has caused a lot of stress to the people living there and a lot of stress on the town."

Councillor Anne Hull said: "In Burnham, the schools are full up - people can't get into any schools.

"You can't get into the doctors - our nearest emergency hospital is over an hour away."

The application was praised for proposing bungalows for the site, although officers confirmed that it could be resubmitted to propose different types of housing.

The need for bungalows in the district has been repeatedly raised at council meetings.

In July, Maldon Town Council proposed to reject plans to demolish a bungalow on Acacia Drive, citing the need for more retirement properties in the district as its population grows older.

There are four three-bedroom bungalows and four two-bedroom bungalows proposed for the development on Stoney Hills, which also involves the demolition of the existing home and outbuildings and the creation of 19 new parking spaces.

Recommending approval of the application, a planning officer said: "Having regard to the established character of the surrounding area, the proposal would not have a discordant impact on the area or intrinsic beauty of the wider countryside."

The officers' recommendation to approve the proposal was voted through by district councillors, with seven for, one against and two abstentions.