A controversial proposal to build eight new homes on Stoney Hills will be debated by Maldon District Council next week.

The plans have received 40 letters of objection so far from residents, of which many cite concerns that existing infrastructure would not be able to cope with the development.

The letters also raise concerns about loss of wildlife habitat, overdevelopment, pollution and safety, as many residents said it has become "dangerous" in the area due to its current volume of traffic.

One resident said: "Stoney Hills is a narrow single track road with no passing places or footpath.

"It has become dangerous for residents to walk along, as well as children to walk to school."

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

They said it would be "sustainable" and would not have "a discordant impact on the area or the intrinsic beauty of the wider countryside surrounding the developed area".

They added: "A number of trees will be preserved, and ecological protection and enhancement will be secured."

The proposal involves the demolition of the existing home and outbuildings on the land known as Appleberry by the Gables in Burnham-on-Crouch, and the erection of eight single-storey homes alongside 19 new parking spaces.

There are four three-bedroom bungalows proposed for the site and four two-bedroom bungalows.

A new road would also be formed on the site, off Stoney Hills, to create a cul-de-sac layout around which the proposed homes would be arranged.

The original application to construct nine homes on the site was later reduced to eight.

Members of Burnham-on-Crouch Town Council previously voted to object to the application in July, on the basis of overdevelopment.

At the meeting, Councillor Vanessa Bell, the town mayor, spoke of the application's "alarming size".

Maldon District Council's south eastern area planning committee will vote on the application next week (Wednesday, 15 September).