Maldon District Council (MDC) has refused two separate applications which each proposed to construct a new home in the Dengie village of Cold Norton.

MDC planning officers cited the impact of the proposed developments on the rural character of the area when refusing permission for the applications.

One of the applications involved the erection of a self-build dwelling with parking, landscaping and related infrastructure on the land between the Koombora property and the Mansfield property on Victoria Road.

Officers refused the proposal on the basis that "its introduction into this plot and setting would amount to an intrusive development which would substantially and detrimentally alter the character of the area".

They said it would have "an unacceptable visual impact on the rural countryside".

The other application proposed the construction of a three-bedroom home to the side land of 55 St. Stephens Road.

The site lies within a rural location outside of a defined settlement boundary.

Officers said that a new dwelling on the site would be "remote and disconnected from local services and facilities by reason of its location".

They said it would "provide poor quality and limited access to sustainable and public transportation, resulting in an increased need for private vehicle ownership".

They added that it would have "an urbanising impact that would be erosive and detrimental to the character and appearance of the rural countryside".

Officers therefore rejected the proposal.

Both applications were refused last week.