A REDUNDANT farm building could be demolished to make way for new housing.

A farmyard at Tillingham Hall Farm has been earmarked for 24 new two, three and four-bedroom homes.

But the land, part of an area in Tillingham owned by St Paul’s Cathedral, has been involved in a number of previous applications in the past which were branded “harmful” by Maldon District Council’s conservation team.

A spokesman for agent Carter Jonas said: “Significant alterations were made from the first application, with the proposed dwellings reflecting the local vernacular and building styles.

“We have had discussions with the conservation officer and planning officer.

“Due to the nature of the site we feel it is appropriate for the design of the development to be unique and tailored to the individual site, the properties will be traditional in their appearance as a sympathetic design is acknowledged as essential in the conservation area taking detailing from nearby properties so that the proposal integrates with the surrounding area.”

Six of the 24 houses will be affordable homes.

A total of 56 new car parking spaces will also be created as part of the plans.

The Dean and Chapter of St Paul’s Cathedral has also proposed that all of the properties be energy-efficient.

As part of the plans, the roofing of the homes will all be fitted with solar panels.

The spokesman for the development added: “The dwellings will use a range of energy-saving measures to both the dwellings’ fabric along with water-saving measures.

“Any impacts on the countryside are considered to be extremely negligible and the benefits of the proposals in providing a residential scheme contributing to the council’s five-year housing land supply and affordable housing needs significantly outweigh the harm caused.”

Stables will remain on site, surrounded by the housing.

The application’s heritage statement added: “The existing stables, which are to remain, will be converted to residential units.

“Therefore this building will continue to make a positive contribution to the conservation area.

“The grain mill is to be demolished which will remove a building that makes a neutral to negative contribution to the conservation area.”