DEVELOPERS behind plans for 370 homes and a new hospital in Maldon have been told to carry out archaeological digs if plans get the green light.

Dartmouth Park Estates has submitted the final application for the South Maldon Garden Suburb.

Plans for more than 1,000 homes on land off Wycke Hill have already been given approval by Maldon District Council.

The latest application, for the north of the site, will include 2,000 sq m of employment space, land for community use and a new A414 relief road.

Wycke Hill is one of five locations being considered for a replacement to Maldon’s St Peter’s Hospital.

Dartmouth Park Estates has offered 1.61 hectares of space for a community hospital as part of the outline plans.

But now Maldon District Council’s archaeological team has told planners an assessment including digs of trial trenches must be completed if the plans are approved.

In an email Jackie Longman, senior conservation officer, said: “The proposed development site has the potential to contain archaeological remains.

“The Environmental Statement, supported by the desk based assessment and the geophysical survey submitted with the application have established the potential for archaeological remains dating to the Late Iron Age or Roman period to be present.

“In addition there is also the potential for medieval and post-medieval activity associated with the neighbouring Maldon Hall manorial moated site.”

Essex County Council has also objected to the plans saying the developer’s surface water drainage strategy was “inadequate”.

In a response to Maldon District Council the authority said the strategy submitted did not comply with the requirements set out.

Maldon District Council will have the final say on the plans.