THE group aiming to build an £8million vocational centre in Maldon says it will reapply for planning permission.

The first bid by Blackwater Vocational Project, which includes Colchester Institute and Tiptree’s Thurstable School, was refused by Maldon District Council in July.

But an “independent, exhaustive” search for sites has revealed its chosen location, Primrose Meadow, in Maldon Road, Maldon, is the only suitable spot in the district.

A statement from the group said: “Its location will enable students from local and other partnership schools to access high-cost, high-quality provision.

“Importantly, because the land on which the centre is to be built is owned by Essex County Council, it can be given at no cost to the partnership, enabling the vocational centre to be financially viable in terms of the capital funding criteria applicable.

“The part of Primrose Meadow owned by Plume School will be greatly improved to provide good-quality football pitches and guaranteed public access.”

The college would offer vocational education to 14 to 19-year-olds, as well as adult education classes.

Campaigners rallied against the previous application, with more than 1,000 letters of objection sent to Maldon Council.

Planners said the site was deemed unsuitable and the land was not earmarked for development.

Protest group, Maldon Residents’ Association for Green Spaces, was unavailable for comment.