Plans to build up to 30 extra holiday homes on a private island in the Maldon district often visited by celebrities have been revealed.

Osea Island Resort hopes to extend the holiday accommodation offered on the 400-acre luxury island, situated in the Blackwater Estuary, in efforts to secure the long-term survival of the business, which operates at a net loss during winter months.

A statement on the plans by agent Kerford IPC says: "Despite the high levels of interest of the resort to private and corporate clients, Osea is susceptible to the cyclical nature of tourism - profitable throughout the main season of May to October but far less so during the winter months.

"As a result of this cycle, working capital can become eroded leading to long-term viability issues which in turn, and if unchecked, would see the closure of the resort."

Osea Island Resort was established in 2010 following six years of gradual acquisition of island land and properties.

Now under single ownership, the resort provides holiday accommodation and is licensed to host corporate and entertainment events for up to 5,000 people.

The weekend retreat and party destination is a popular film and photography location, and has hosted celebrities including Rihanna, The Weeknd and Poppy Delevingne.

A management team was formed in 2018 to conduct a full review of tourism and event provision on the island and options for revitalising the business, and found running costs for the resort could not be reduced any further.

The statement says the resort runs at a net loss during winter, adding: "To increase income to a sustainable level it was found that it would be necessary to increase rather than reduce the number of bed spaces provided."

The resort currently has 165 bed spaces over 40 properties, which has been reduced to 75 bed spaces during the past two years because of pandemic restrictions.

By building 30 new holiday homes, bed spaces could be increased by around 85 to reach the resort's target of 250 beds and 200 ensuite rooms to meet 75 per cent of annual event enquiries.

The planning application focusses on the principle of new holiday accommodation at the resort, rather than details of the homes.

Maldon District Council will make the final decision.