Plans for 131 new homes in Maldon look set to get the go ahead despite concerns that housing will take up land which could have been used for a park and ride.

Developer Crest Nicholson Eastern’s proposal for 131 homes with access from Park Drive will be decided upon on October 2.

The plans have been recommended for approval by Maldon District Council’s planning officers.

However, the Maldon Society has raised a series of concerns at the central site being built on.

In its objections, the society noted: “There are few spaces left close to the Promenade and therefore the site may be needed for strategic community purposes once a development strategy for a larger town has been approved.

“It should rather be considered suitable for a potential park and ride provision, especially as future residents may get nuisance smells and noise from the nearby waste disposal depot.”

In the developer’s design and access statement, it is noted how the site has been divided into three “character areas in order to create a sense of place; the entrance boulevard, the central spine and the cul-de-sac streets”.