Maldon Town Council has voted to recommend approval of plans to create a "Farleigh at Maldon" hub on Mill Road.

Members of the town council yesterday evening (Monday, 26 July) voted to approve the proposal by Farleigh Hospice to create a hub at its new Maldon site, which plans to provide respite care for patients, families and bereaved clients in the district.

The plans involve a part single, part two-storey front extension to the site on Mill Road.

This will create a new entrance, with clinical or consulting rooms and a quiet room on the ground floor.

The proposal also involves a new garden courtyard to the midsection of the existing building, a garden to the rear and a community café which would be accessible to the public.

The debate centred on potential disturbance to residents during construction of the hub and parking spaces.

Councillor Christopher Swain said that he had been speaking to Maldon Housing Association about the plans. He said: "They're quite happy with the idea, but they're very concerned about how the construction will be carried out."

He asked: "Can access to construction work be from Mill Road, as far as possible?"

Berridge House, which is a member of Maldon Housing Association, is near to the proposed site on Mill Road.

Councillor David Ogg, who is also the town mayor, said: "It's up to the people from Berridge House and Farleigh to negotiate a deal themselves."

The premises on Mill Road, which was previously home to the British Red Cross, was bought by Farleigh Hospice in January 2020.

Councillor Tony Shrimpton said: "It seems to me that this development is going to introduce a lot of people parking - the staff plus visitors plus tradespeople."

The proposal currently retains the ten designated parking spaces for cars which already exist on the site, and plans to add five cycle spaces.

Councillor Martin Harvey said: "I think there will have to be some careful logistics there."

He added: "I think timing will be of the essence in construction."

Councillor Shrimpton proposed to recommend approval of the plans, which was seconded by Councillor Ogg and unanimously voted through.

Maldon District Council will make the final decision.