Plans for a 10,000 sq m development in Maldon could fall flat after councillors have been advised to reject the bid.
Developers Aquila House Holdings submitted plans for the retail park, which will include a DIY store, garden centre, hotel and restaurant, after acquiring another five acres on the Blackwater Trading Estate in The Causeway, Maldon. The site currently houses timber supplier Brooks Bros.

According to Aquila's plans for the site, existing businesses will remain, while it said its proposals for the retail park "should lead to the creation of 300-400 local, permanent, jobs and provide improved infrastructure and first-class facilities for the town".

However, in a report released today by Maldon District Council, planning officers have advised councillors to reject the proposed development. A story in the Maldon Standard revealed that planning officers believe the "scheme does not go far enough" and claim that "land set aside for emploment would be lost, and not enough investment is being made to regenerate the trading estate".

A special meeting of the Central Area Planning Committee will take place on January 12 at the Maldon District Council Offices to discuss the proposed plans.