A PROPOSED housing estate has been thrown out by the Government, after concerns it "would not provide adequate living conditions." 

Benferri Developments Limited has lost its bid for the 36 homes at Glebe Meadow, near Vicarage Court, Southminster, after the Planning Inspectorate slammed the plans. Maldon District Council previously threw out the plans for the development. 

The plans included one, two, three, and four-bedroom houses and maisonettes, landscaping, roads, parking, and drainage infrastructure, plus a new area of public open space and the addition of a footway to the east side of Vicarage Court. 

The Planning Inspectorate raised concerns about noise and disruption from nearby playing fields. Adrian Fluker, Non-Aligned councillor for Southminster, said: "Because members overturned the planning officer's decision to approve, the appeal was technically member-led, and as the ward member for Southminster, I worked with officers to make sure members' objections were properly evidenced in line with policy. I also had to make sure the views of the 433 residents who had objected to the proposal had their concerns heard by the Inspector.

"The previous Government failed to give local councils the proper tools to deliver local infrastructure, and the current one wants to drive bulldozers through our villages and towns to enable its 'build build build' policy. This appeal decision, likewise, the one at Homefield Southminster, proves that unacceptable developments can be stopped, and where appropriate, I will continue to try to do so."

The Planning Inspectorate's report states: "In conclusion, the appeal scheme would not provide adequate living conditions for some of the future occupants of the appeal scheme.

"Overall, the adverse impacts of the proposal would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits."