The North Western Area Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on 8 October 2025 to discuss planning applications in the Maldon district. The committee will consider applications for a residential development of up to 55 dwellings in Purleigh, and a change of use of a holiday let to a dwellinghouse in Tolleshunt Knight.

Land Adjacent Westerings, Purleigh

The committee will consider two identical outline planning applications, 25/00473/OUTM and 25/00474/OUTM, for a residential development of up to 55 dwellings with associated infrastructure on land adjacent to Westerings in Purleigh. The applications seek outline planning permission, with all matters reserved except for access. One of the applications, 25/00473/OUTM, has been appealed due to a delay in reaching a decision. The report pack states that any decision made by the committee can only be a 'minded to' decision, as the power to determine the application now lies with the Planning Inspectorate.

The proposed access to the site is via an extension of Hawthornes from the south, with footways on both sides of the road. The application is accompanied by a framework plan that defines the location of residential development, open space, and the principal access point.

The report pack notes that Maldon District Council's five-year housing land supply (5YHLS) is currently at 2.7 years, meaning that policies relating to housing and spatial development are no longer applicable, and engaging the 'tilted balance' described in paragraph 11d of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This means that the benefits and harms of the development must be weighed in the planning balance.

The report pack notes that the site is outside the settlement boundary of Purleigh, but taking into account the facilities and services available in the village, together with access to public transport, the site is in a sustainable location. The report pack also notes that the development would result in economic benefits associated with temporary jobs during construction, and through occupants using existing services and facilities. The development would also provide 55 new homes, of which 40% (22 homes) would be affordable.

The report pack states that a contribution of £170,000 is sought to improve public transport links between the site and other local destinations, including Maldon. The Highway Authority also requires the provision of new bus stops on Pump Lane near the site. A contribution of £38,300 is also requested to increase capacity for the benefit of patients of the Primary Care Network operating in the area. A contribution of £302,412 is sought to mitigate the impact on local secondary school provision, and a contribution of £65,417 is required for school transport. A contribution of £4,279 is considered necessary to improve, enhance and extend the facilities and services provided by the local library.

The report pack notes that the application site falls within the 'Zone of Influence' for the Essex Coast Recreational Disturbance Avoidance Mitigation Strategy (RAMS) SPD, and that a financial contribution will be required.

Barn At Rosemary Cottage, Barnhall Road, Tolleshunt Knight

The committee will also consider application 25/00545/FUL for a change of use of a holiday let to a dwellinghouse at Barn At Rosemary Cottage, Barnhall Road, Tolleshunt Knight. Councillor Clive P Morley has called in the application.

The applicant, Mr and Mrs Tucker, state that the property, known as the Long Barn, has been operated as a holiday let following permission granted in July 2009, but that due to declining demand since 2021, the business is no longer viable.

The application proposes a change of use from holiday let accommodation to a single dwelling house, with associated parking and private amenity space. The application also proposes the installation of a brick wall to enclose the three-bay cart lodge area at ground floor on the southern elevation, the insertion of glazing to the west elevation, the removal of a rooflight from the northern elevation, the removal of a small window and brick finish on part of the eastern elevation, the continuation of the existing hedgerow along the driveways of Rosemary Cottage and Long Barn, and the installation of a fence and planting between the site and Barnhall House.

The report pack notes that Maldon District Council's five-year housing land supply (5YHLS) is currently at 2.7 years, meaning that policies relating to housing and spatial development are no longer applicable, and engaging the 'tilted balance' described in paragraph 11d of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This means that the benefits and harms of the development must be weighed in the planning balance.

The report pack states that the proposal would not represent an intensification of use compared to the holiday let use, and that unrestricted residential occupation is unlikely to create impacts materially different, and potentially less harmful, than the existing lawful use. The report pack also notes that the loss of one holiday unit would not materially harm the district's visitor economy.

The report pack notes that the site falls within the 'Zone of Influence' for the Essex Coast Recreational Disturbance Avoidance Mitigation Strategy (RAMS) SPD, and that a financial contribution will be required.