A proposal to build 13 new homes in Althorne, which has received 12 letters of objection from residents, will be voted on by councillors next week.

The plans involve the construction of a pair of detached two-storey apartment buildings, each containing two one-bedroom flats and two two-bedroom flats - all of which would be affordable homes.

Five detached four or five-bedroom homes with garages are also proposed as part of the application.

The homes would be built just south of Burnham Road, immediately to the east of Althorne and opposite the Three Horseshoes pub.

The applicant, Georgina McHugh, said in a planning statement for the proposal that it is "founded upon a local need for both market and affordable homes" in Althorne.

She added that there is "a specific need for family dwellings in the parish, a need generally for smaller units of accommodation in the district, and [a] shortfall of dwellings generally".

Objecting to the plans, residents have raised concerns that the development would be in an "unsustainable location" and cause "significant harm to the appearance of the open countryside".

One resident said: "There has been extensive housing development in both Burnham and Southminster which is ongoing and, as a result, the road through Althorne has become increasingly busy and dangerous.

"The proposed development is likely to lead to a large number of extra vehicles pulling in and out onto this road opposite a public house."

Another said: "There are very limited services and facilities in Althorne, making it unsustainable."

A further objector, who has lived in the area for 29 years, added: "I do feel strongly that this will have a severe impact on mine and my neighbours' properties and lives."

District council planning officers have, however, recommended approval of the application.

They said: "The volume of affordable housing proposed, in a locality within the district where it has previously been difficult to deliver affordable housing, would weigh heavily in favour of the development."

The district council's south eastern area planning committee will make the final decision next Wednesday (13 October).

To find out more about the proposal, you can visit Maldon District Council's website using the link here.