PLANS for a Colchester Institute-run vocational centre in Maldon have moved a step closer, with the submission of a planning application.

The Primrose Meadow site has been chosen as the preferred option, despite objections from residents.

The application for a two-storey centre, with parking and yard areas, will now be considered by Maldon District Council.

The bid also requests a change of use for part of the site off Mundon Road, from playing fields to educational use.

Planning agent GSS Architecture stated in the application that the site would “satisfy the vocational training needs of Maldon and its surrounding areas”, as well as providing adult educational facilities.

The land is half owned by Essex County Council, with the other half owned by Plume School.

The council-owned half would house the £8million vocational centre, with the other half remaining as playing fields.

The centre is being proposed by the Blackwater Vocational Partnership, which includes Plume School in Maldon, St Peter’s High School in Burnham, Thurstable School in Tiptree, William De Ferrers School in South Woodham Ferrers, and the Maltings and New Rickstones Academies in Witham, as well as Chelmsford College, Writtle College and Colchester Institute.

It is hoped that the centre would work as a hub, with the colleges as spokes, to offer advanced vocational training to 14 to 19-year-olds.

Any comments must be made to the council in Princes Road, Maldon, by June 12.