A full application has been put in to extend a bungalow and provide two flats for people with learning disabilities.

Paul Jeffrey, of Caring Homes Group, submitted the application for the extension at Deansbrook Farm, Southminster, to Maldon District Council two weeks ago.

The site was bought by the group in 2007, when an eight-bed unit for people with learning disabilities was built.

A bungalow on the site was first used by staff as accommodation, before being turned into a home for a resident.

The application is to extend the bungalow and convert the extension into two flats, to provide housing for residents, with support from an extra staff member during the day.

The plan includes building fences on the site so flat users have their own gardens.

The proposal is outside the settlement boundary in Southminster, but the applicants argue there is already the eight-bed facility on the site and the plans would only be a small increase in the number of residents.

Mr Jeffrey writes in the planning statement: β€œIt is considered that this would be acceptable in the context of the present use of the site.”

Maldon District Council set a target date of January 7 for a decision.