PLANS for a replacement block of flats in the centre of Great Baddow are being opposed.

The group Baddow Against Development has been formed to fight the scheme.

Spokesman Daniel O’Brien said although redevelopment has always been on the cards for the existing block in The Vineyards, what was being proposed will not improve the area.

He added: “The building is 1960s and similar to the concrete buildings of that time.

“Now is a golden opportunity to improve on that, but we don’t believe this does.

“We think something much better, that blends in with the older properties in the area, can be built.

“We had a meeting last Thursday and about 100 people turned up.

“Most people didn’t seem to know much about it and were horrified.

“The parish council is against it and we have delivered about 2,000 leaflets to neighbouring properties.”

The application is to demolish Marrable House and construct a new development of 60 extra care flats in two new buildings, one to replace Marrable House at six storeys and the other, smaller, building of three storeys to front Maldon Road. Officers of Chelmsford Council have recommended the scheme for approval and it will be discussed at a planning meeting on Tuesday, June 22.

But Mr O’Brien, who lives in Maldon Road and who renovates old properties, hopes the scheme as it stands will be refused.

He said: “We are hoping to get people along to the meeting to give their point of view.”

Twenty-three letters have been received by the council opposing the proposal.

Conservation area consent is also needed for the demolition.