The fight to stop controversial plans to build houses on land outside Wickham Bishops - to finance a new village hall - looks set to go on.

Maldon district councillors have approved the application - which is a departure from the local development plan - subject to a final decision by the Secretary of State.

But a group opposed to the proposal may seek a judicial review on the matter.

The application by Wickham Bishops Parish Council is for a replacement village hall and sports pavilion.

It will be paid for by the development of up to 17 homes to the rear of Eight Acres in Great Totham Road and up to nine bungalows between numbers 7 and 9 Kelvedon Road - land outside the development boundary.

There will also be public open space and playing fields provided.

A spokesman for the district council said councillors had approved the scheme, against the officers' recommendation of refusal, because they felt it was community led and would be of benefit to local people.

The Secretary of State will decide the next step.

But Tom Canham, chairman of the campaign group Wickham Bishops Against Superfluous Housing, said he was taking legal advice on the question of a judicial review.

"We have said we feel it is quite possible to get a new village hall by other means than building on this land. We feel councillors did not look at the strong feelings put forward by objectors.

"We believe this plan is to the long term detriment of the community and will pose a serious risk to further green belt land."

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