District councillors have voted to give the green light to the creation of a new wetland habitat for wildfowl and waders at a nature reserve close to the River Crouch.

Maldon Nub News reported last week how Essex Wildlife Trust, which owns Blue House Farm nature reserve, east of North Fambridge, had submitted project plans to Maldon District Council for the 20-hectare area, currently grassland.

The aim is to provide a "muddy, wet and splashy" grassland habitat for wildfowl and waders to overwinter and breed, with the River Crouch just 150 metres to the south.

The project will involve building a half-metre high, 4 metre wide bund that extends just over 2 km around the site, as well as constructing 3,000 metres of foot drains and ditches, breaking up existing agricultural land drains, creating 12 shallow 'scrapes' and a concrete boarded sluice. Earth from the site will be used in the construction to help avoid bringing extra materials into the area.

Members of MDC's North Western Planning Committee decided unanimously yesterday evening (Wednesday, 10 March) to approve the application. Work is now planned to take place in October and November this year, so that the birds' breeding season is not disturbed.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Sue White and Councillor Jane Fleming told how they had initially been concerned that the development could add to surface water drainage problem in the village, but were reassured by news that consultations had shown that the plans are more likely to alleviate potential flooding issues in the surrounding area than cause them.

Cllr White said: "I've spoken to a lot of the locals and they have no objections, so I'm happy for this to progress."

Access to the area where the new habitat will be is via Blue House Farm Chase, which has a public footpath linking Fambridge Road to the north with the sea wall footpath to the south. There is a footpath into the reserve from Blue House Farm Chase.

Both Purleigh Parish Council and North Fambridge Parish Council support the plans, which will be subject to conditions including an archaeological survey of the site in advance of the work going ahead.