Plans to develop a major riverside complex at Sadd's Wharf have been deferred for further consideration.

Maldon district councillors agreed last week that a working party of members and officers will be set up to examine alternative uses for the site, ideally with a port-related use.

Developers, the Baltic Consortium, acquired the site in 1996 and have since been unsuccessfully marketing it for port-related use.

Cllr Alison Lamb said: "I do feel the 1996 Maldon district local plan was achieved after a lot of consultation with the public and this has always supported the preservation of this site for a port related use. A working party of members and officers would be able to examine, with the public, alternative uses of this area."

Chairman, Cllr Roy Pipe said: "It is absolutely vital that we do this correctly. For the sake of the public we should have one final look at alternative uses for the site."

The developers are hoping to use the site for offices and light industry, with parking for 250 vehicles. Previously used for timber import and storage, the site has been derelict for more than 10 years.

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