Plans for a 275-home development include an 18,000 square-metre extension to Maldon Cemetery, which neighbours the site, it was announced yesterday (July 12).

In addition to the extension, a representative for developer Hopkins Homes told Nub News the entire cemetery would be surrounded by a "buffer zone" under the Maldon Woods proposals. Native plants would line the boundary between the cemetery and the neighbourhood, providing greater privacy for visitors.

In a statement, LSL Partners and Hopkins Homes said the expansion would provide "much need additional burial space for the District".

One resident, whose mother is buried in the cemetery, told Nub News the planted boundary would not change her mind, as she is concerned some houses would overlook the cemetery itself.

She added: "How can you have funerals if there are building works going on nearby?

"It really hurts."

The expanded cemetery would back on to Maldon Reservoir, with traffic access from London Road.

While a full planning application has not yet been submitted to Maldon District Council, it is expected to be received in the autumn.

More to follow.

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