Plans for riverside workshops and homes in Maldon have received a mixed reception.

Grove Homes have submitted a scheme for office and workshop accommodation and seven apartments at the Fullbridge.

The scheme would provide new premises for the Cirdan Sailing Trust and shipwright, David Patient, whose workshop was gutted by fire in 1998.

Maldon Riverside Association says it has no specific objections to the application, but stresses it should not be taken as a precedent for the Maldon riverside in general.

In a letter to Maldon Town Council's planning committee on Monday it stated: "Although we do not generally wish to see this type of development along the river frontage we appreciate that in all probability the only way of maintaining the existing riverside activities is by allowing some development to make it economically viable for their continuance.

"We understand that Grove Homes wish to keep and improve the existing boat jetties with which we would be in complete agreement."

But members of the town planning committee objected to the scheme. Planning committee clerk, Jackie Good, said: "We feel the height of the development would be detrimental to the visual amenity value on the Downs. There are concerns it would be setting a precedent for further development of a similar nature in the locality."

Members also expressed concern about the leases for the workshops only being for 15 years.

Resident, David Nash, voiced concerns that the workshops and offices could revert to a large house and added: "A 15-year lease to a boatbuilder and to the Cirdan Trust is insufficient guarantee that the quay will stay in use for port/boatyard related activities."

Director of Grove Homes, Steve Royan, said they are hoping to keep everyone happy. But to provide new workshops for people currently working there some housing was necessary.

He added: "None of the properties we are building on the new site will be restricting views. People will be able to see over the top of everything.

''We are also making a walkway between the workshops and apartments so people can walk through the terraced area on the Quay."

The Maldon Society was due to discuss the scheme this week. A final decision will be made at a later date by Maldon District Council.

Steve Royan, director of Grove Homes, on the waterfront with plans for the workshops and flats.

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